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Abstract
To develop a clinical protocol for patient care in the selection, verification, and validation process of hearing aids; to verify the viability of the protocol during its use by specialists in the field; to establish the graphical representation of the protocol by means of a flowchart with algorithms. We conducted a literature review to collect the procedures required for developing clinical protocols in healthcare services and the main procedures at each step along the process of fitting hearing aids. Subsequently, we developed the protocol, which was evaluated by eight audiologists in terms of its content and ease of use. We considered the issues raised by the professionals and then drew up a final document, as well as a flowchart with process algorithms. A protocol after having conducted an extensive survey of the literature was developed; all audiologists reported that the use of the instrument was of great value in their clinical practice; finally, we created the flowchart with algorithms after having developed the protocol and, by extension, we also created the Standard Operational Procedure for the selection, verification and validation process of hearing aids. The clinical protocol for the care of patients in the selection, verification and validation process of hearing aids was developed and validated by means of its use by professionals. The information and data we collected allowed a graphical representation of the protocol and its steps as a flowchart with algorithms.
Highlights
Hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent sensory deficits in the population
The protocol was developed after we surveyed the literature and encompassed aspects related to its preparation and steps involved therein, the relevant procedures required in the process of selecting and fitting hearing aids, as well as the most frequently used questionnaires cited in the literature as being pertinent to each step
After the evaluation conducted by the professionals was completed, the protocol had the following steps: assessment of the potential hearing aid wearer, survey of the hearing aids selected and their features, verification of the hearing aids, guidance and counseling to the patient, evaluation of the outcomes (Validation)
Summary
Hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent sensory deficits in the population. In Brazil, according to data from the 2010 census, 5.1% of the population, or approximately 9.8 million people, has some degree of hearing impairment[1].In order to minimize the consequences of hearing impairment, fitting hearing aids is essential to the individual’s rehabilitation process, since it allows for the best possible use of one’s auditory function, improves speech perception and reduces communication difficulties that can often impede social interactions of the hearing-impaired[2,3].There is great variability in the process of selection and fitting hearing aids. Hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent sensory deficits in the population. In Brazil, according to data from the 2010 census, 5.1% of the population, or approximately 9.8 million people, has some degree of hearing impairment[1]. There is great variability in the process of selection and fitting hearing aids. Adopting verification and validation protocols for hearing aids increases wearer satisfaction and reduces the need for returns to hearing health centers. These procedures promote practices that ensure successful fitting of these devices[5,6,7,8]
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