Patient Counseling and Rehabilitation Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of a 'repair strategy' used in communication rehabilitation?

Answer: Asking a speaker to slow down or rephrase after a misunderstanding

Repair strategies are reactive—they are used after a communication breakdown has already occurred to restore understanding.

A patient in their first week of hearing aid use reports that background noise sounds 'overwhelming.' The counselor's BEST response is to:

Answer: Explain that the brain requires an acclimatization period to relearn how to process amplified sounds

Auditory acclimatization typically takes weeks to months; normalizing this experience reduces patient anxiety and improves adherence.

The COSI (Client Oriented Scale of Improvement) is used in rehabilitation to:

Answer: Identify patient-specific listening goals and track outcomes over time

The COSI is a patient-centered outcome measure where individuals nominate their own goals and rate improvement after intervention.

When discussing realistic expectations with a new hearing aid user, the clinician should emphasize that hearing aids:

Answer: Improve hearing but cannot fully replicate normal auditory function

Setting realistic expectations reduces disappointment and improves long-term satisfaction and adherence to hearing aid use.

A spouse accompanies a hearing-impaired patient to a counseling session and frequently answers questions directed at the patient. The clinician should:

Answer: Gently redirect questions to the patient to preserve their autonomy

Preserving patient autonomy is a core ethical principle; the clinician should facilitate direct communication while acknowledging the spouse's supportive role.

Which environmental modification is MOST effective for improving speech understanding for a person with hearing loss at home?

Answer: Adding soft furnishings like rugs and curtains to reduce reverberation

Soft furnishings absorb sound reflections, reducing reverberation time and improving speech clarity for people with hearing loss.

What is the recommended counseling approach for a patient who is in the 'pre-contemplation' stage of readiness to change regarding hearing aid use?

Answer: Raise awareness of the impact of hearing loss without pressuring action

In pre-contemplation, patients are not yet aware of or concerned about their problem; motivational interviewing techniques raise awareness without creating resistance.