title: Evidence-based practice in audiology: rehabilitation options for adults with hearing impairment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors address 3 questions: (a) What is evidence-based practice (EBP), and why is it important for adults with hearing impairment? (b) What is the evidence about intervention options for adults who fail a hearing screening and are identified with hearing impairment? (c) What intervention options do adults choose when identified with hearing impairment for the first time?
  
  
  METHODS
  The 5 steps of the EBP process are discussed in relation to a clinical question about whether hearing aids and communication programs reduce activity limitations and participation restrictions compared with no treatment for adults who fail a hearing screening and are identified with hearing impairment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Systematic reviews of the evidence indicate that both hearing aids and communication programs reduce activity limitations and participation restrictions for this population and are therefore appropriate options. A study is then described in which these options were presented to 153 clients identified with hearing impairment for the first time: 43% chose hearing aids, 18% chose communication programs, and the remaining 39% chose not to take any action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EBP supports the offer of intervention options to adults who fail a hearing screening and are identified with hearing impairment.
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Hickson
authors: Ariane
authors: A
authors: Laplante-Lévesque
authors: Lena
authors: L
authors: Wong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001298:Audiology; D003142:Communication; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D057240:Patient Preference; D058992:Social Participation