As you might expect from two authors of such stature, this book is extremely effective and well written. In form it is as close to a pop-science book as one could get while still being very much focussed for those working in audiology. Each of the 12 chapters are presented around a theme that is analogous to the topic at hand.
From ‘How country music and working with hearing-impaired adults are alike’, using the grief and emotion ubiquitous in country music to frame and explain the psychology of many patients that walk through our doors every day. To ‘Yes we’re here to tell you why dispensing hearing aids in a commercial environment can be a lot like college basketball’, which explains how using a collaborative and consultative approach can take the fear of ‘selling’ or of being ‘sold to’ out of the picture. In fact, this last chapter is not just useful for those in the sectors of the industry where patients are paying for hearing aids and audiological services.
Indeed, our colleagues working in the NHS for example, will find this approach to selecting hearing aids and treatment plans with the patient is an excellent way to set patients on the right track, focussing on their agency in the process. This will lead to more motivation and better outcomes for the patient. Some readers may find the themes for each chapter to be a little gimmicky, but I think that is more a matter of stylistic taste.
The fact is that the content in this book is brilliant and rooted in up-to-date evidence and its delivery is clear and effective. It is not aiming to be a reference tome and it does not go into detail often, but it will only take up a relatively small amount of space on your shelf. It’s the kind of book that one should read when first embarking on their career and every couple of years hence to gain a fresh perspective on one’s approach to helping people with hearing loss. It’s worth every penny, 5/5.
