Objective: This investigation aimed to determine if an online training program regarding effective communication with people who have hearing loss improves occupational therapists’ (OTs) knowledge of the management of patients with hearing loss. Method: Three OTs were recruited from hospitals across the US to participate in an A-B-C research design over the course of a month. The dependent variable was hearing loss management as measured by PI created assessments. The independent variable was training and feedback on effective communication for patients with hearing loss. In phase A, (1 to 2 sessions), participants received training and responded to questions with feedback for responses. During phase B (3 sessions), they responded to case study questions with feedback. During phase C (3 sessions), they responded to case study questions without feedback. Results: The results of this investigation were inconclusive. One participant demonstrated therapeutic effect. Limited replication of treatment effect was found among participants. Conclusion: While this investigation contributes to research related to the need for increasing OT knowledge of hearing loss, there were limitations. One limitation was a lack of validated materials for training and assessment. Further, material accessibility allowed one participant to skip the initial assessment. Future research should consider the impact on clinical skills in working with patients who have hearing loss and improving their overall healthcare outcomes, guiding better care for those patients.
