Clinical reenactments

The clinical reenactments are based on real ethnographic film footage captured by the Ida Institute and, to protect the privacy of the participants, reenacted verbatim by actors. The tenor of the encounters is preserved in the reenactments in order to reflect the real-life situations as closely as possible.

These videos provide insight into daily life at the clinic and offer an important "outside in" approach to reflection.

Based on Susan's remarks about her sister's experience using hearing aids, it may have been wise for the audiologist to use the Motivation Tools with Susan to gauge her motivation and readiness to use hearing aids.

Using the Line, Tina could have asked Susan "how much she believes in her ability to use hearing aids." This may have helped explore potential inhibitions or concerns Susan may have with regards to using hearing aids. If Susan's sister had a bad experience with hearing aids, this could affect Susan's expectations and level of motivation.

Exploring concerns and inhibitions with clients in an open discussion can help ensure that if clients decide to take action on their hearing loss, they do so on solid footing. 

As you watch the video, think about the following questions:

• Why is Susan interested in taking action on her hearing loss?
• What could be Susan's perception of hearing loss and hearing aids before visiting the audiologist?

It is common for hearing aid settings and technology demonstrations to take up a large portion of a consultation session. Many individuals find it challenging to manage their hearing aids and utilize various functions.  

It is important to address technological stumbling blocks and help a person with hearing loss get the most out of their hearing aids. However, one should keep in mind that there are often other factors that may contribute to the frustration.

In this film, it may have been fruitful for James to use the Line tool to explore Sophie’s relationship with her hearing loss and her hearing aids. By allowing Sophie the opportunity to voice her thoughts and opinions, this could have allowed James to address the root of her frustration.

This would have allowed James to re-focus the consultation session on Sophie’s life with hearing loss, instead of allowing the hearing aids and the various programs to occupy the session.

As you watch the video, reflect on the following questions:

• Based on the Circle tool, which stage of change is Sophie in when she visits the audiologist?
• How comfortable is Sophie with using her hearing aids?
• How does James attempt to address Sophie’s questions about the hearing aid settings?

It is important to use open-ended questions to better understand the client's point of view and discover how they are managing their hearing loss.

Likewise, it is critical to allow them the necessary time to speak freely and adequately answer the question. One should actively listen to what the person with hearing loss is saying, and refrain from interrupting them before they complete their thoughts.

To help structure an open conversation with Karen, Amy could have used the Living Well Tool to help Karen identify real-life communication situations where she is not managing very well. This would allow Karen the opportunity to identify situations in her life where she feels it is important to improve her ability to communicate.

In turn, Amy the audiologist would be able to address specific situations in Karen’s life, instead of using a large portion of the consultation session to demonstrate various devices. 

As you watch the video, reflect on the following questions:

• What types of questions does the audiologist (Amy) pose to Karen and her daughter?
• Does the consultation session allow Karen to express and explore her core concerns regarding hearing loss?
• What is the focus of the consultation session?

During the consultation session, Stella never elaborates or clearly expresses what is preventing her from wearing two hearing aids. One could have used the Box tool with Stella in an attempt to make her more aware of her positive and negative feelings towards wearing two hearing aids.

Using the Box, James could have opened up a discussion about the potential costs and benefits of wearing two hearing aids. By allowing Stella to voice her opinions on the matter, James could make it more apparent to Stella that there are clear benefits to taking action.  

In the end, it may not be possible to encourage Stella to open up and freely discuss her inhibitions and feelings towards her hearing aids. However, one should consider providing a comfortable forum for clients to voice their needs and perspectives.  

As you watch the video, reflect on the following questions:

• What could be preventing Stella from wearing two hearing aids?
• How does the audiologist attempt to assist Stella?
• How does James describe his role as an audiologist?

At the start of the session, Betty attempts to build rapport with Emil by explaining that they both have a hearing loss; they each share a similar experience. Unfortunately, instead of making an instant connection, Betty’s comment is misunderstood by Emil.

As the consultation progresses, they continue to talk past each other. Betty reiterates that Emil has a hearing loss and that he is a prime candidate for hearing aids, while Emil repeatedly requests a certificate for his place of employment.

In the end, there is no easy solution to Emil’s situation. Betty is unable to provide Emil with an easy solution or a certificate for his employer. However, it would be wise to engage Emil and explore his thoughts on his hearing loss before suggesting that he acquire and use hearing aids. Emil may have concerns about wearing hearing aids at work, believing that others may treat him differently.

In addition, Emil may have financial concerns that are impacting his decision to take action. It would be worthwhile to discuss and address these issues with the client before a strategy is determined.

As you watch the video, reflect on the following questions:

• What is Emil’s motivation for seeking help?
• What dilemma is Emil facing?
• What dilemma is Betty, the audiologist, facing in this video and how does she react?