Hearing Health & Technology Matters (HHTM) has announced the release of results from the November 2020 Audiologist Survey. The online survey of audiologists in the United States was conducted between November 20th to 30th, 2020.
In a follow-up to the January 2020 audiology survey, the November survey takes a closer look at the impact COVID-19 has had on clinical practice and attitudes among audiologists in the US. Additionally, the survey also explores current demand for telehealth services, as well as opinions on OTC hearing aids.
Approximately 368 audiologists completed the 14-question survey.
Report Highlights:
Approximately half of the audiologists surveyed indicated their employment was not impacted by the pandemic, with 24% indicating they were furloughed and approximately 5% saying they were laid off and looking for work:
Half of the respondents indicated they closed their physical offices temporarily, with 45% saying they closed their doors for two weeks or more. Nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) said they never closed their physical office, and 2% said they closed their physical office permanently.
Approximately 15% of respondents said they have personally encountered a patient that has reported hearing loss as a result of COVID-19 infection.
While the majority of respondents in the survey (over 50%) indicated they were fully stocked with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to see patients at their clinic, 28% indicated concerns about future shortage and approximately 5% indicated they were unable or had difficulty obtaining adequate PPE.
Full access to the entire survey report can be found here.
