RP301 - Examining Current Practices in Speech Audiometry for Multilingual Patients

Abstract:
In the past, speech audiometry in the United States consisted of presenting words to patients in English, regardless of primary language. This practice may do a disservice, however, to our patients who are multilingual as results may not reflect their true speech understanding abilities. There are now tests that are available in multiple languages or where language spoken does not matter. This study examined the current practices audiologists are using when testing speech audiometry for multilingual patients. The goal is to use this information to determine what practices are being used and how we can build off of this knowledge.

Summary:
Rationale/

Purpose:
The population of the United States is ever changing. According to Rumbaut & Massey (2013), 79.7% of those in the 2010 American Community Survey spoke English only, while 20.3% spoke another language, and of those nearly half spoke Spanish. Based on this data, in the clinic we will encounter a multitude of languages. In order to meet the needs of our patients, we must think beyond presenting our tests in only English, particularly our speech tests in audiology. Current standards are available from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA, 2000), the American Speech-Language-Hearing association (ASHA, 1988), and the Audiology Practice Standards Organization (APSO, 2023) that discuss the protocol on how to perform speech audiometry. There is no mention, however, on testing multilingual talkers and how to interpret the results if English only test materials are utilized. Despite current standards, tests are available in multiple languages. Since the standards do not mention these other tests, is unlikely that audiologists are incorporating these materials into their practices.

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate current audiological practices for testing speech understanding in multilingual patients. This will help to determine if audiologists are meeting the diverse needs of their patients and to raise awareness of the many languages speech materials are available in to test patients.

Methods:
Audiologists and hearing instrument dispensers were surveyed using Qualtrics. Basic demographic information was collected, such as number of years as a clinician, type of practice setting, credentials (audiologist, hearing instrument dispenser, etc.), and the languages they speak. Next, they were asked what speech audiometry materials they use when they have a patient that is multilingual. If they use English materials, they were asked how they interpret the results of their testing and if it is any different than native English speaking patients. If they use speech materials in other languages, they were asked which languages they use and how they implement the materials into their practices, such as using an interpreter or their own judgement for determining if words are being repeated correctly. Finally, their training was discussed and whether they learned about testing multilingual patients.

Results/

Conclusions:
Results from data that has been collected so far reflect the current demographics of our profession, with 87% of respondents being white and 88% being female. Results revealed that these hearing healthcare providers are seeing many different languages in their clinics, including Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, and Vietnamese. About 2/3 of respondents noted that they do have speech audiometry materials in other languages and the majority (45%) used their own judgement when interpreting the patient's responses in a language other than English followed by using an interpreter (30%). The majority (66%) of participants did not having training in working with multilingual patients and expressed an interest in having more training. The data will be further discussed as we finish collecting survey results, where limitations exist in implementing multilingual speech audiometry materials, and what further research is needed to improve our practices.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
The clinical takeaway for this session is how hearing healthcare providers are currently assessing speech audiometry for multilingual talkers. This should lead to ideas on how you are currently providing theses services and things to think about to ensure an accurate test in your clinic.