The views and experience of audiologists working in Flemish hearing aid centers concerning cognition within audiological practice

Purpose: This study aimed to get insight into the views and experience of audiologists, employed in Flemish hearing aid centers, concerning cognition within audiological practice. Method: An online 49-item questionnaire was developed and subdivided into five categories: (a) work setting, (b) practical experience regarding hearing aid fitting linked to cognition, (c) knowledge regarding the auditory-cognitive perspective of speech understanding, (d) willingness and guidelines to implement cognitive measures within audiological practice, and (e) demographics. Respondents were surveyed during January and February 2021. Results: One hundred twenty-nine audiologists working in Flemish hearing aid centers responded to the entire questionnaire and showed a mean work experience of 8.0 years. Results revealed that cognition was taken into account, especially within the anamnesis interview and general communication strategy, whereas only a minority took cognition into account when actually fitting hearing aids. Knowledge and experience did not determine whether or not respondents took cognition into account. A willingness to implement cognitive measures in a time-efficient manner in audiological practice was observed among respondents. Conclusion: Evidence-based guidelines regarding hearing aid fitting based on an individual's auditory-cognitive profile are needed to improve the quality of hearing rehabilitation