From Knowledge to Action: Implementing a Group Intervention for First-Time Hearing Aid Users in Québec through a Clinical Research Partnership

Alexandra Tessier 1,2 , Élodie Latreille 1,2 , Mireille Tardif 2,3 , Caroline Lafontaine 2,3 , Mathieu Hotton 4,5 , Claire Croteau 1,2 , & Victoria Duda 1,2 1 École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal 2 Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR) 3 Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique Raymond-Dewar 4 Département de réadaptation,...

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Clinicians may consider adopting structured group intervention programs for first-time hearing aid users as a feasible, potentially beneficial alternative or supplement to individual counselling, though the evidence base here appears preliminary.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Group-based rehabilitation programs for new hearing aid users represent a scalable clinical model that could improve adoption and satisfaction rates, particularly within publicly funded systems.

✦ Key Points ✦

01A group intervention program for first-time hearing aid users was implemented in Québec via a university-clinic partnership.
02The CAS (likely a self-efficacy or satisfaction scale) scores increased from pre- to post-intervention and were maintained at follow-up.
03The study reflects a knowledge-to-practice translation model bridging academic research and clinical delivery.
04Group-based formats may offer efficiency advantages over one-on-one hearing aid orientation sessions.
05The Université de Montréal team led the design and evaluation of the program.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

A group intervention program improved outcomes (CAS scores) in first-time hearing aid users from pre- to post-intervention.

studypartially supported

Clinical research partnerships are an effective mechanism for implementing evidence-based group rehabilitation programs.

opinionpartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

Journal: Canadian Audiologist
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 4
Population: First-time hearing aid users in Québec
Intervention: Group hearing rehabilitation intervention program

Primary outcomes

CAS scores at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up

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