What does the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) assess?

The Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) is specifically designed to assess the improvement that clients experience in their ability to hear within specific listening situations. It requires clients to identify particular listening environments or situations in which they have difficulties, and then they rate their perceived improvement over time. This individualized focus allows both the client and the clinician to see how effective interventions, such as hearing aids or aural rehabilitation strategies, are in real-life contexts that matter most to the client.

This approach ensures that the assessment is not just about general hearing ability or overall life quality, but rather it hones in on the practical challenges that individuals face, making it a targeted and applicable measure of aural rehabilitation success. The emphasis on specific listening situations is critical in tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual undergoing treatment.