Objective:

To examine audiologists' perceptions, training experiences, confidence levels, and perceived barriers related to counseling in Saudi Arabia, focusing on specific aspects of these perceptions.

Key Findings:

• Audiologists rated the importance of counseling highly.
• Moderate confidence was reported in personal adjustment counseling skills.
• Barriers to counseling were generally low, with patient resistance and limited family involvement identified as moderate challenges.
• Confidence was positively correlated with perceived importance and negatively correlated with perceived barriers.
• Training needs were linked to lower confidence, while participation in workshops correlated with higher confidence.

Interpretation:

Audiologists in Saudi Arabia value counseling but exhibit moderate confidence, indicating a need for structured education and professional development to enhance counseling skills and improve patient-centered care.

Limitations:

• The sample predominantly consisted of early- and mid-career clinicians.
• Reliance on self-reported data may limit generalizability and introduce bias.

Conclusion:

Strengthening counseling competence through education and professional development is crucial for supporting patient-centered audiological care in Saudi Arabia.