UWA research drives new wellbeing focus in audiology care

A new training program informed by research at The University of Western Australia is empowering clinical audiologists to deliver mental health support to adults with hearing loss.

"Many participants described a lack of effective coping strategies and tended to rely on avoidance of social interaction, deepening their isolation and loneliness."

Dr Bec Bennett

About 3.6 million Australians – or 15 per cent of the population – are affected by hearing loss.

The AIMER (Ask, Inform, Manage, Encourage, Refer) program grew out of research conducted by Dr Bec Bennett from UWA’s Medical School in conjunction with Ear Science Institute Australia and collaborators across Australia.

Dr Bennett’s research, published in the International Journal of Audiology, found the emotional impacts of hearing loss could be far-reaching, encompassing distress, frustration, embarrassment, inferiority, shame, rejection and loneliness.

“While some people have developed ways to cope with these feelings, most said they had not found anything practical,” Dr Bennett said.

“Many participants described a lack of effective coping strategies and tended to rely on avoidance of social interaction, deepening their isolation and loneliness.

“It was also clear that many people with hearing loss expected their audiologist to discuss and provide support when these feelings are associated with their hearing loss.”

Image: Dr Bec Bennett.

AIMER was developed to support audiologists with providing social and emotional well-being support in conjunction with their regular clinical care and is now part of the service provided by Lions Hearing Clinic audiologists.

It was tested over several months in Lions Hearing Clinics where clinicians measured and observed how often social and emotional wellbeing was raised in appointments and how often they provided mental wellbeing support, including referral to other specialists.

Lions Hearing Clinic audiologist and Clinic Manager Holly Menegola said the program put clients at the centre of their care experience.

“Important discussions about wellbeing are now part of every appointment with a Lions Hearing Clinic audiologist,” Ms Menegola said.

“This is important because hearing loss not only affects our ability to hear but also to connect with the world around us.”

Dr Bennett was awarded a Cockell Fellowship by the Raine Medical Research Foundation to conduct her research project.