Characteristics and Help-Seeking Behavior of People Failing a Smart Device Self-Test for Hearing

Purpose This study investigated user characteristics, help-seeking behavior, and follow-up actions of people who failed an app-based digits-in-noise hearing screening test, considering their stage of change. Method Test and user characteristics of 3,092 listeners who failed the test were retrospectively analyzed. A posttest survey determining follow-up (verb) actions was sent to listeners who failed the test ( n = 1,007), of which 59 responded. Results The majority of listeners were in the precontemplation stage (75.5%). Age and stage of change were significant ( p < .05) predictors of the digits-in-noise speech recognition threshold (DIN SRT). Listeners in the precontemplation stage were significantly younger than in other stages ( p < .05). Posttest survey response rate was low (5.9%). Of those, most (82.4%) did not think they had a hearing loss. Only 13.6% followed up with an audiologist. Conclusion Older people presented with poorer DIN SRTs and were typically in a more advanced stage of change. The majority of those who did not follow up after failing the screening test did not believe they had a hearing loss. A combination of factors, including poor DIN SRT, older age, and a more advanced stage of change inclined participants to follow up with audiological care.

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Help Musicians UK hearing survey: Musicians’ hearing and hearing protection

Psychology of Music ◽

10.1177/0305735618812238 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 529-546

Author(s):

A. E. Greasley ◽

R. J. Fulford ◽

M. Pickard ◽

N. Hamilton

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

High Risk ◽

National Survey ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Hearing Protection ◽

Help Seeking Behavior ◽

Professional Musicians ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

Hearing Test ◽

Hearing Health

Musicians’ hearing has received increased attention due to the rising prevalence of hearing loss among general and musical populations. This paper reports results of a national survey exploring professional musicians’ awareness of, and perceptions surrounding, their hearing health, and associated help-seeking behavior including attitudes towards hearing protection. Professional musicians ( N = 693) took part, the majority being orchestral or instrumental musicians. Forty percent of the sample had experienced hearing loss or other hearing issues and many attributed hearing problems to their musical careers. Fifty percent of the musicians were worried about noise at work; however, less than a third had taken a hearing test. Reasons for having a test included subsidized tests and experiencing symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus, while reasons for not having a test included a lack of awareness about options. Data revealed an on-going tension between a concern to protect hearing and the perceived negative outcomes of wearing protection during musical performance, and highlighted the need for more in-depth research into the experiences of musicians in high-risk instrumental groups (e.g., amplified/band musicians, brass, percussion). Providing advice to musicians about the risks of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) prior to experiencing symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus will support improved protection behavior.

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