Chronicle of a deaf audiologist

Addressing cognitive dissonance is a huge part of an audiologist’s job! Part 2

Cognitive dissonance happens when you hold two conflicting thoughts in your mind simultaneously–like denying hearing loss while still being aware of communication difficulties.

Canadian Audiologist published an article by Bill Hodgetts, PhD, called “Psychological Dimensions of Hearing Healthcare: Audiology is More Than Just Diagnoses and Devices” in Canadian Audiologist (Vol 11, Issue 3, 2024).

I wanted to bring Bill’s ideas to life by creating a reel about cognitive dissonance. When a person denies hearing loss, this narrative creates tension because it conflicts with awareness of having difficulties. I realized after watching the reel that these thoughts conflict with themselves and each other. What we know to be true and what we want to be true can co-exist. One isn’t necessarily true-er than the other!

“Resolving a patient’s cognitive dissonance for various factors is a huge part of our job. Addressing cognitive dissonance in audiology involves education, counseling, and support to help reconcile conflicting beliefs.”

 

Related post: Addressing cogntive dissonance is a huge part of an audiologist’s job! Part 1

  • Photo credit:  © Alan Fortune

    Sandra Vandenhoff

    Dr. Sandra Vandenhoff is an audiologist with hearing loss, founder of HEARa, Hearing Rehabilitation teacher, and Canadian author, who does not remember saying on her first day of wearing hearing aids: "Mom, I can hear my shoelaces!"

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