Patient Journey
Introduction
Hearing loss is a journey and there is no right or wrong place to be. Where you are on your journey depends on how your hearing loss (or possible hearing loss) affects your life and relationships, and how you manage it. With our Patient Journey tool, we aim to provide you with information and resources that will be helpful and relevant to where you are today.
Patient Journey
Do you wear a hearing aid?
- Yes
- No
How often do you wear your hearing aids?
- Never
- Sometimes
- Usually
- Always
Have you had your hearing tested?
- I don't need to
- I'm thinking about it
- I'm going to
- I have had it tested
Which statements do you agree with?
- My friends and family tell me I have trouble hearing, but I don't agree
- I only have trouble hearing when people mumble
- My family, friends and I have misunderstanding because they aren't clear
- I prefer not to talk to people I know who are difficult to understand
- None of the above
Which statements do you agree with?
- If someone else has been watching the TV, I have to put the volume up
- If I go out with a group, I often end up sitting quietly while everyone else is talking
- I worry about how often I ask people to repeat themselves
- I need to focus carefully on what's being said in order to understand
- None of the above
Which statements do you agree with?
- I have asked my doctor or friends with hearing aids about where I could get my hearing checked
- I have thought about what it would be like to wear hearing aids
- I have done research on hearing on the internet
- I am considering having my hearing tested because of my age
- None of the above
Which statements do you agree with?
- My audiogram shows I have a hearing loss
- I am talking to an audiologist about my options
- Even if it’s only a slight hearing loss, I can do something about it
- I feel good about taking steps to help myself
- None of the above
Which statements do you agree with?
- My hearing aids are important to my daily life
- I attend or have thought about attending a support group
- I still have communication difficulties with my friends and family
- I use my hearing aids and additional technology to help me communicate
- None of the above
Which statements do you agree with?
- I always tell people up front that I have difficulty hearing and tell them how they can help me
- I use technology in addition to my hearing aids to help me communicate
- I am interested in all the newest hearing technology
- I have supportive friends and family who help me in difficult situations
- I see my hearing care professional for regular check-ups
- I know other people with hearing loss that I can share my experiences with
- None of the above
Unaware
It looks like you're unaware of a hearing loss.
Unaware
Others might think you have trouble hearing, but you haven’t noticed it.
Exploration
Preparing
Action
Managing
Living well
Fact: Hearing loss affects 360 million people worldwide
Fact: There is no way to cure hearing loss, but it can be managed with technology or communication strategies
Fact: Adults with untreated hearing loss are at a higher risk of being unemployed
Fact: People with untreated hearing loss are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression
Exploration
It looks like you're exploring a possible hearing loss.
Unaware
Exploration
You may have noticed that you have trouble hearing and want more information.
Preparing
Action
Managing
Living well
Fact: Hearing loss is a normal part of the aging process. 15% of Americans over age 18 have some degree of hearing loss.
Fact: Untreated hearing loss can have serious consequences. For instance, people with untreated hearing loss have higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.
Do you go out less often than you used to?
Who can you talk to about your concerns?
What would you like to know more about?
Preparation
It looks like you are preparing to get help for a hearing loss.
Unaware
Exploration
Preparing
You may have asked others for help or advice about hearing.
Action
Managing
Living well
Fact: Hearing loss can't be cured, but it can be managed with technology and communication strategies.
Fact: Untreated hearing loss is associated with social isolation, which can have a serious effect on your physical and mental well being.
What are the benefits of taking action on your hearing loss?
What are the benefits of continuing as you are?
Who can you talk to about your concerns?
Action
It looks like you are ready to take action on your hearing loss.
Unaware
Exploration
Preparing
Action
Your next step can be to try different treatments.
Managing
Living well
Fact: Untreated hearing loss is associated with social isolation, which can have a serious effect on your physical and mental well being.
Fact: Hearing loss can't be cured, but it can be managed with technology and communication strategies.
What benefits do you hope to get from hearing aids?
What are your concerns about getting hearing aids?
Managing
It sounds like you are managing your hearing loss.
Unaware
Exploration
Preparing
Action
Managing
Keep exploring additional technologies and strategies to help you communicate better.
Living well
What additional hearing technologies would make it easier for you to hear?
When is it easiest for you to hear?
Can you think of strategies that can help you improve your communication in difficult situations?
Living Well
It looks like you are living well with your hearing loss.
Unaware
Exploration
Preparing
Action
Managing
Living well
Continue to adapt to new technologies and situations to maintain your success.
What routines make hearing easier for you?
Who helps you in your daily communication?
What would you like to ask in your next appointment?
Step ?/?
Thank you for completing the Patient Journey. Here is a summary of your answers.
Resources
You may find these videos and tools interesting as you continue your hearing journey.
Top Tips for Managing Communication Well
Dilemma Game
