Access to Audiology Care in Rural and Urban Communities: A Methodology Paper

The ability of those affected by hearing loss to access audiology care is imperative as the effects of unmanaged hearing loss are deleterious, and the prevalence is high. Despite the abundance of individuals affected by hearing loss and the implications of the condition when untreated, barriers to access to care remain primarily unresolved, affecting groups disproportionately. These barriers include knowing when a hearing problem warrants intervention, transportation, geographical barriers, a lack of hearing health care providers, affordability, and insurance coverage. Rural and urban communities are each predisposed to a unique set of social determinants of health, which affect their ability to access hearing health care and health care in general, leading to worsened health outcomes. Implementing programs aimed toward health equity, including mobile audiology, tele-audiology, and community outreach services, breaks down these barriers by eliminating geographical and several other factors affecting the ability to access care. A methodology is outlined beginning with community outreach events that serve to aid community members in the identification of a hearing problem and provide hearing health education. Mobile audiology services allow in-person, hands-on care, including diagnostic assessment and hearing aid fitting. Remote tele-audiology services are suggested in the interim, offering care for issues that do not require patient contact.