Stage of Change Related to Appointment Type

Abstract

The transtheoretical model of behavior change has been adapted for a variety of different health behavior changes. In audiology, the transtheoretical model has been adapted for the readiness to pursue amplification. An audiologist can use the transtheoretical model of behavior change as a counseling tool for patients. There are five stages of change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Previous research conducted outside the United States has focused on the patient’s stage of change at the initial appointment with an audiologist. The objective of the current study is to assess the stage of change that patients are in across different types of audiology appointments. There were 50 participants recruited at the University of Arizona Speech and Hearing Clinic. Participants completed an anonymous survey that included two different stage-of-change questionnaires: The Staging Algorithm, and the Line. Additional questions were asked that focused on a participant’s personal experience with hearing loss and use of hearing aids. The results of this study showed that the majority of participants were in the maintenance stage of change across multiple types of appointments. However, for any given appointment type, there was variation in the stage-of-change reported and a wide range of scores in self-reported importance of improving hearing and motivation. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the clinical use of The Staging Algorithm and The Line can help audiologists guide the appointment based on a person’s stage of change.