3 ways to make your audiology clinic more inclusive year-round

While Pride Month in June offers an opportunity to celebrate and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community, true inclusivity should be a year-round commitment. Inclusive practices help ensure that clients of all identities and backgrounds feel respected and welcome.  

In fact, implementing inclusive policies and communication strategies has been shown to enhance trust, improve client engagement, and contribute to better health outcomes and overall satisfaction.¹ 

Here are 3 practical ways to make your audiology clinic more inclusive—every day of the year. 

1. Foster an inclusive clinic environment 

Inclusivity extends beyond using specific words. The overall atmosphere of your clinic can have a significant impact on how safe and welcome clients feel. Small, visible gestures can speak volumes. 

Implementation tips: 

⦁ Display inclusive symbols such as Pride flags, “All Are Welcome” signage, or inclusive health posters in waiting areas. 
⦁ Offer regular staff training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
⦁ Create opportunities for feedback, such as anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes, to identify areas for improvement. 

2. Avoid assumptions about relationships 

When clients bring companions to their appointments, it’s important not to assume the nature of those relationships. Using neutral terms like “companion,” “partner,” or “guest” avoids mislabeling and acknowledges the diversity of family structures. Family-centered care is a well-established best practice, and it applies to all families, in all their forms.  

Implementation tips: 

⦁ Ask open-ended questions like, “Who have you brought with you today?” 
⦁ Use inclusive terminology in all verbal and written communications. 
⦁ Encourage staff to recognize and respect all types of family and support systems.

3. Include pronouns on intake forms 

A simple but powerful step toward inclusivity is providing space for clients to share their pronouns on intake forms. This practice affirms diverse gender identities and helps clients feel seen and respected from their very first interaction. 

Implementation tips: 

• Add a ‘Pronouns’ field next to name and contact information on all client-facing forms. 
• Train all staff to consistently use clients’ stated pronouns in both conversations and documentation. 
• Regularly review and revise forms to ensure they use inclusive, gender-neutral language. 

Conclusion 

Fostering an inclusive environment in your audiology clinic is an ongoing—one that benefits your clients, your team, and your practice as a whole. By implementing these steps, you create a space where all individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to engage in their hearing health care. Everybody wins. 

References:

1. Valerie, A. (2023, June 5). Engaging patients with empathetic, inclusive health content. Wolters Kluwer. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/engaging-patients-with-empathetic-inclusive-health-content 

Learn more about Pride flags and their meanings 
Visit the Human Rights Campaign website for a helpful overview of LGBTQIA+ Pride flags and what they represent.