Confidence In Clinical Practice: Audiology Student Self-Perceived Competence With Hearing Aids

Document Type

Poster

Start Date

28-4-2026 12:00 PM

End Date

28-4-2026 2:00 PM

Description

Introduction: Hearing aid selection, fitting, programming, and troubleshooting are foundational competencies in Doctor of Audiology (AuD.) training. However, many programs lack structured reinforcement prior to clinical placements, contributing to variability in student confidence and skill retention. While previous studies demonstrate that targeted training improves applied knowledge and self-efficacy, graduate audiology students remain underrepresented in the literature.

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of a structured hearing aid refresher module on AuD. students’ self-perceived competence and confidence using pre- and post-assessment measures.

Method: LSUHSC Graduate Au.D. students who had completed required hearing aid coursework participated in a refresher module at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). Internal participants completed identical pre- and post-assessments via Microsoft Forms. External students from other accredited programs completed a one-time preparedness questionnaire. Data were collected over a three-week academic period and analyzed for changes in confidence and perceived skill.

Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < .05) were observed across multiple domains. The greatest gains were noted in real-ear measures, software operation, troubleshooting, and overall clinical confidence. All top five survey items demonstrated significant improvement following the intervention.

Discussion: Findings suggest that brief, structured refresher modules strengthen applied competencies and support competency-based education models. Although limited by small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, results indicate that systematic reinforcement may enhance student readiness for clinical practice and externship performance.

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Apr 28th, 12:00 PM Apr 28th, 2:00 PM

Confidence In Clinical Practice: Audiology Student Self-Perceived Competence With Hearing Aids

Introduction: Hearing aid selection, fitting, programming, and troubleshooting are foundational competencies in Doctor of Audiology (AuD.) training. However, many programs lack structured reinforcement prior to clinical placements, contributing to variability in student confidence and skill retention. While previous studies demonstrate that targeted training improves applied knowledge and self-efficacy, graduate audiology students remain underrepresented in the literature.

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of a structured hearing aid refresher module on AuD. students’ self-perceived competence and confidence using pre- and post-assessment measures.

Method: LSUHSC Graduate Au.D. students who had completed required hearing aid coursework participated in a refresher module at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). Internal participants completed identical pre- and post-assessments via Microsoft Forms. External students from other accredited programs completed a one-time preparedness questionnaire. Data were collected over a three-week academic period and analyzed for changes in confidence and perceived skill.

Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < .05) were observed across multiple domains. The greatest gains were noted in real-ear measures, software operation, troubleshooting, and overall clinical confidence. All top five survey items demonstrated significant improvement following the intervention.

Discussion: Findings suggest that brief, structured refresher modules strengthen applied competencies and support competency-based education models. Although limited by small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, results indicate that systematic reinforcement may enhance student readiness for clinical practice and externship performance.