Rationale for the Development of a Universal Hearing Metric for Public Consumption: Initiative 1 of the Hearing
Nicholas S Reed, Sahar Assi, Matthew Bush1
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.
Summary
A new hearing health vital sign for adults was developed using a structured A3 process. This patient-facing tool aims to improve awareness and encourage early assessment of adult hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hearing loss is a prevalent condition in adults, often overlooked.
- There is a need for accessible tools to assess hearing health.
- Current methods lack a standardized, patient-facing vital sign for hearing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the rationale for developing a new, patient-facing vital sign for adult hearing.
- To identify essential qualities for an effective hearing health vital sign.
- To establish a framework for a public-facing hearing metric.
Main Methods:
- A structured A3 process was employed.
- Conducted fourteen virtual and two in-person meetings between May 2021 and June 2022.
- Focused on identifying and refining a countermeasure for a hearing health vital sign.
Main Results:
- A public-facing vital sign for adult hearing loss was identified and refined.
- The vital sign must be simple, accessible, stable, inclusive, and meaningful.
- These qualities ensure utility for screening, workup, and treatment guidance.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a hearing vital sign can reframe public perception of hearing loss.
- It may improve awareness and literacy concerning adult hearing impairment.
- This metric can prompt individuals to seek timely diagnostic assessment.
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