New resources for audiologists working with Hispanic patients: Spanish translations and cultural training

Hispanics comprise over 16% of the U.S. population (Humes, Jones, & Ramirez, 2011). Cultural and language differences may negatively affect services audiologists provide to Hispanic patients. The purpose of the current study was to assist monolingual English-speaking audiologists working with Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients by developing appropriate cultural and language instruction materials.

Test descriptions and instructions for hearing and balance tests were developed in English and Spanish. A cultural training module was also created. The first draft of these resources was reviewed by nonaudiologists (bilingual and Spanish monolingual) and audiologists (bilingual and English monolingual). Videos were recorded of the Spanish test instructions read aloud.

Overall, ratings from audiologists and nonaudiologists indicated the translations were easy to understand, and the wording/dialect was appropriate for the region. Audiologists generally reported the information was consistent with what they use clinically, although variability existed in specific wording used. Reviewers rated the cultural training module as easy to understand, relevant to Spanish-speaking patients, and relevant to audiologists. The materials were revised and edited based on feedback from reviewers.

The current study developed materials for monolingual English-speaking audiologists working with Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients. The final translations are provided as online supplemental materials.