Hearing Aid Fitting Orientation Appointments Aim to Improve Communication

Study examines communication methods to enhance patient understanding and retention of hearing aid use and care

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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This study explored various audio and visual communication methods to identify the most effective approach for conveying important information to patients during hearing aid fitting orientation (HAFO) appointments. The research found that using audiovisual cues, rather than auditory-only instructions, led to a significant improvement in patients' ability to complete tasks related to hearing aid use and maintenance.

Why it matters

As hearing aids become more technologically advanced, it is crucial that patients fully understand how to use, care for, and maintain their devices to ensure optimal benefit. This study highlights the importance of tailoring HAFO appointments to patients' learning preferences in order to enhance their retention of crucial information, ultimately improving hearing aid success and reducing the need for follow-up appointments.

The details

The study involved 30 participants, including 12 females and 18 males, who had received their first pair of hearing aids within the past year. Participants were divided into three groups and given instructions on how to change the wax guard of a hearing aid under different communication conditions: audiovisual, visual-only, and auditory-only. Their performance was evaluated using the Practical Hearing Aids Skills Test-Revised (PHAST-R), which categorized their task completion into a three-point scoring system.

  • The study was conducted in 2026 at the Area Hearing and Speech Clinic Inc. in Joplin, Missouri.

The players

Jonathan Mikhail

An audiologist and health scientist at the Area Hearing & Speech Clinic in Joplin, Missouri, and an adjunct faculty member in the Doctor of Audiology program at Wichita State University. He also serves as the director of the audiology residency program at the Area Hearing & Speech Clinic.

Samantha Dewey

A senior clinical and vestibular audiologist at the Area Hearing & Speech Clinic in Joplin, Missouri.

Samuel Christensen

A clinical hearing instrument specialist at Area Hearing & Speech Clinic in Joplin, Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“As hearing aids evolve into more complex medical devices, HAFO appointments should also adapt accordingly.”

— Jonathan Mikhail, Audiologist and Health Scientist

“If clinics adopt HAFO standards for hearing device users, these standards, whether written or digital, should be available in multiple languages to serve patients from all ethnic backgrounds.”

— Jonathan Mikhail, Audiologist and Health Scientist

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate the impact of different communication methods on patient understanding and retention during HAFO appointments, with a focus on tailoring the approach to the needs of specific patient demographics, such as the aging population and those with cognitive or dexterity challenges.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of using audiovisual cues to enhance patient comprehension and retention of crucial information during hearing aid fitting orientation appointments, ultimately improving hearing aid success and reducing the need for follow-up visits. By adapting HAFO protocols to patients' learning preferences, hearing care professionals can ensure that all patients, regardless of age, gender, or ability, receive the support they need to effectively use and maintain their hearing devices.