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Survey of Audiologists' Clinical Practice Patterns and Perceptions of Electrophysiological Assessments
Kelsey Mankel1,2, Caitlin N Price3, Allie Austin1
1School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Memphis, TN.
Purpose:
Electrophysiological assessments in audiology are used for neurodiagnostic evaluations, newborn hearing screenings, and estimating auditory thresholds when behavioral responses are unobtainable or unreliable. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that many electrophysiological tools remain underutilized. This study examined current practice patterns, perceptions, and barriers related to electrophysiological testing among audiologists in the United States.
Method:
An online survey distributed between January and April 2025 yielded 220 eligible responses. Participants answered questions specific to their patient population (i.e., n = 178 regarding adult patients, n = 174 for pediatric patients) to examine potential differences in utilization and perspectives.
Results:
Nearly 60% of audiologists working with pediatric populations reported using electrophysiological techniques at least monthly compared to approximately 40% of those working with adults. Across specific tests, auditory brainstem response testing was the most frequently used for both populations, followed by electrocochleography and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Most respondents rated electrophysiological assessments as very or quite useful and beneficial for at least some or most patient cases. Key barriers included lack of time, financial limitations related to equipment and reimbursement, and population-specific challenges (pediatric populations: setup or recording difficulties including patient cooperation, noise, etc.; adult populations: limited perceived clinical relevance of electrophysiological techniques).
Conclusions:
These findings underscore both the recognized value of electrophysiological assessments as well as the practical, perceptual, and financial barriers restricting broader implementation. Addressing these challenges at individual, institutional, and national levels may support fuller scope-of-practice adoption and enhance patient care across the field.
Supplemental Material:
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.33043112.