Introducing Sound Check Clinical Bulletins

Brian Taylor, Au.D.

Each year hundreds of research articles are published in the academic peer-reviewed journals. This work of course reflects the expertise and dedication of researchers who often devote decades of their career to advancing the profession of audiology. Currently, there are few places to find analysis and translation of academic research into clinical practice. Besides published best practice standards and the occasional Grand Rounds webinar at Audiology Online or general session at one of the large annual professional organization meetings, there is a dearth of material in this area. Sound Check Clinical Bulletins hopes to be one additional place where busy clinicians can find relevant, current evidence-based summaries of peer-reviewed research.

There are several reasons clinicians need to be mindful of research and strive to stay current by reading and analyzing as many articles as possible. Here are some of the most valid reasons:

Evidence-Based Practice
It provides a solid foundation for clinical guidelines and interventions, helping audiologists make informed decisions based on the latest research that ultimately drive better patient outcomes.

Advancement of Knowledge
Peer-reviewed studies contribute to the ongoing development of the field, identifying new trends, technologies, and treatment methods. A big part of gaining respect from other professionals is through the advancement of knowledge in your own profession which is then shared with other similar professions.

Professional Credibility
Similar to the previous point, research published in reputable journals elevates the credibility of the profession and fosters trust among patients and healthcare providers.

Collaboration and Innovation
It encourages collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and educators, leading to innovative solutions for hearingrelated issues.

Quality Assurance
The peer review process used to create and disseminate research ensures that studies meet high scientific standards, enhancing the reliability and validity of findings, further enhancing the credibility of the profession and the clinicians who work within it.

Although there are several valid reasons for reading and digesting peer reviewed research, there are several barriers to prevent clinicians from do so. This list includes:

Time Constraints
Busy schedules and heavy workloads can make it difficult for clinicians to find time to read and analyze research articles.

Access Issues
Some clinicians may have limited access to academic journals or databases due to institutional restrictions or subscription costs.

Complexity of Research
The technical language and complex methodologies used in peer-reviewed studies can be intimidating or difficult to understand without a strong background in research methods. Most clinical audiologist have had one college-level statistics course, so their knowledge tends to be limited in this area. Thus, lack of training is also an issue. Some clinicians may not have received any formal training in how to critically evaluate research, leading to hesitation in reading studies.

Relevance
Clinicians may feel that certain studies are not directly applicable to their specific practice or patient population.

Overwhelm from Volume
The sheer volume of new research can be overwhelming, making it challenging to keep up with the latest findings.

Preference for Practical Guidance
Many clinicians prefer clear, practical guidelines or summaries over detailed research articles that require interpretation.

Perception of Research
Some may view research as too theoretical or disconnected from clinical practice, leading to a lack of interest.

Given the value of research, combined with these barriers, Sound Check Clinical Bulletins attempt to bridge the gap. The hope is to promote better engagement with peer-reviewed literature among clinicians by taking relevant studies and demonstrating how their findings can be translated and applied into clinical practice. ■