Maybe Audiologists Are Too Attached to the Medical Model

The medical model governs many of the practices of audiologists. It dictates the vocabulary they use to talk about their services and it prescribes a causal logic when they engage in diagnoses and rehabilitation. This article, while acknowledging the usefulness of the medical model, invites audiologists to consider alternative models to broaden their thinking and expand their services to their patients. The social and narrative models are offered as alternatives and/or supplements to the medical model. In the social model the emphasis is on identifying barriers to social engagement and facilitating social access for those with hearing impairment. In the narrative model, the emphasis is on aligning with patients as they deal with personal issues associated with a hearing impairment. To pick the best model for service provision, it is recommended that audiologists examine their own values and the situational requirements for particular practices. If the workplace militates against certain practices, it is recommended that audiologists avoid taking “no” for an answer. Instead they should consider ways to try out and advocate for new models.

Medical model - social model - narrative - service delivery - value-based practices

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