327 - From Ambivalence to Action: Rethinking Patient Counseling in Hearing Care

Why do so many people delay hearing care—even after acknowledging a problem or receiving a recommendation? In this conversation, hearing instrument specialist and researcher Bobbi-Jo Marlatt explores how motivational interviewing (MI) can help hearing care professionals better support patients who feel uncertain, ambivalent, or overwhelmed about treatment. Drawing on her new book, Motivational Interviewing for Hearing Care Providers, Marlatt explains why communication style often matters as much as clinical expertise when it comes to long-term hearing aid adoption.Marlatt discusses how motivational interviewing shifts the focus away from persuasion and toward collaboration, helping clinicians recognize common habits—such as rushing to solutions or labeling patients as “non-compliant”—that can unintentionally create resistance. Through practical examples, she illustrates how asking open-ended questions, listening reflectively, and allowing space for uncertainty can lead to more meaningful conversations and stronger patient engagement, even within the time constraints of everyday practice.The discussion also looks ahead to the role of motivational interviewing in education and research, including Marlatt’s ongoing PhD work examining its impact in hearing care settings. She argues that integrating MI into routine clinical practice may help reduce delays in treatment, improve hearing aid use, and ultimately support better quality of life for patients. The conversation offers practical takeaways for hearing care professionals seeking a more patient-centered approach to counseling and care.

• Motivational Interviewing for Hearing Care Providers: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publications/motivational-interviewing-for-hearing-care-providers

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