Promoting Self-Advocacy Skills in Adolescents With Hearing Loss: A Framework and Guide for the Clinical Audiologist

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive framework and guide for clinical audiologists to promote self-advocacy skills among adolescents with hearing loss. Beginning with an exploration of the roles of clinical audiologists in patient care, particularly emphasizing the significance of personal adjustment counseling, the paper emphasizes the pivotal role of self- advocacy in empowering adolescents with hearing loss.Drawing from a thorough review of the literature on self-advocacy, the paper proposes a modified framework tailored specifically for adolescents with hearing loss. This framework, outlined in chapter 3, serves as a roadmap for clinical audiologists, offering strategies to foster self-advocacy skills. Chapter 4 outlines practical tools and interventions that clinical audiologists can use to promote self-advocacy among adolescents with hearing loss. Moreover, it offers recommendations for the development of innovative programs and tools aimed at strengthening self-advocacy skills in various contexts beyond adolescence. By equipping clinical audiologists with the necessary knowledge and resources, this paper aims to enhance the quality of care provided to adolescents with hearing loss, ultimately fostering their autonomy and empowerment in navigating the challenges associated with their hearing loss.