scholarly journals Differences Between Older Adults Who Do and Do Not Try Hearing Aids and Between Those Who Keep and Return the Devices

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 233121652110143
Author(s):  
Larry E. Humes
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Trial Period ◽  
Clinical Recommendation ◽  
Research Volunteers ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hearing Difficulties

The focus of this study was on the differences between older adults who complied with a clinical recommendation for hearing-aid acquisition (adherents; N = 105) and those who did not (nonadherents; N = 34) among a group of research volunteers from the community. All participants were first-time hearing-aid users. Differences between adherents and nonadherents were examined across several domains, including demographic variables, audiometric measures, measures of affect and personality, cognitive variables, hearing-aid expectations, and the perceived hearing difficulties of the older adults and their adjustments to those difficulties. It was found that the adherents differed significantly ( p < .05) from the nonadherents primarily in their perceived difficulties and reactions to them as well as their expectations for hearing aids. Importantly, the pattern of differences between the adherents and nonadherents was primarily confined to measures that could potentially be shaped by appropriate counseling and education of the older adult. In a secondary analysis, among the 105 adherents, a small group ( N = 21) returned their hearing aids for credit with 15 of them completing the outcome measures at the end of a 1-month trial period. When comparisons were made between the adherents who kept their hearing aids ( N = 84) and those who returned them, the primary differences between these two groups of adherents were in the poorer aided outcomes obtained by those who returned their devices.

Feasibility of Using a Smartphone-Based Hearing Aid Application to Improve Attitudes Toward Amplification and Hearing Impairment

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-136
Author(s):  
Amyn M. Amlani ◽  
Joseph Smaldino ◽  
Donald Hayes ◽  
Brian Taylor ◽  
Erich Gessling
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Trial Period ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hearing Difficulties

Objective The objective of the study was to determine whether short-term experience (i.e., 4 weeks) with a smartphone-based hearing aid application (SHAA) might positively improve attitudes toward amplification uptake and hearing impairment. Method We recruited 15 experienced hearing aid wearers who had ceased wearing their devices for > 1 year (i.e., “In-the-Drawer” group) and 15 individuals with self-reported hearing difficulties who had yet to adopt hearing aids (i.e., “First-Time” group). We obtained participant attitudes pre- and post-SHAA using 3 surveys and analyzed perceptible changes in attitude for each survey. Comparative findings were then generalized to the health belief model in the context of perceived benefits (i.e., efficacy of an action to reduce risk) and reduced perceived barriers (i.e., tangible and psychological costs that inhibit compliance and adoption). Results A short trial period with an SHAA appears to modify the psychological perception toward amplification and reduce listener perception with respect to hearing difficulties in both groups. Conclusion A short trial period with an SHAA improved the perceived benefits and reduced the perceived barriers in the average First-Time listener, who often delays adoption of traditional amplification. The same trial period was also found to improve perceived benefits and reduce perceived barriers for the average In-the-Drawer listener, but to a lesser degree than their First-Time counterparts.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Perceived Hearing Difficulties of Community and Clinical Samples of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Larry E. Humes ◽  
Judy R. Dubno
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Sample Type ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Hearing Difficulties

Purpose This study aimed to compare the perceived hearing difficulties of a community sample of older adults to two clinical samples of older adults, one with no hearing aid experience and the other with hearing aid experience. Method Scale scores from the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI) were analyzed for a community sample of older adults ( N = 243) and compared to scores from two clinical samples, one without ( N = 342) and one with prior hearing-aid experience ( N = 179). General linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to examine the effects of data sample type and other factors on CPHI scale scores. Scores for the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) were also available for most participants and were analyzed. Results GLM analyses of each of the 20 CPHI scale scores showed significant effects of sample type with hearing-loss severity and age most frequently showing significant effects as well. GLM analyses controlling for hearing-loss severity and age across sample types found significant differences on most CPHI scales between the community sample and each of the two clinical samples. Significant differences between the two clinical samples were also found on several CPHI scales and on the HHIE. Conclusions Older adults from the community who did not seek help for hearing difficulties self-reported less difficulty and a greater denial or lack of awareness of communication problems than those who sought assistance at an audiology clinic. For those presumed to have sought a hearing evaluation, those acquiring hearing aids perceived greater communication difficulties in all environments, had greater awareness of communication difficulties, were more accepting of their hearing loss, but tended to allocate more responsibility for their difficulties to others, compared to those who sought clinical assistance but did not acquire hearing aids.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the efficacy of hearing aids in older adults: a multiparametric longitudinal study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cuda ◽  
Sara Ghiselli ◽  
Alessandra Murri
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Its estimated prevalence is 40–50 % in people over 75 years of age. Recent studies agree that declinein hearing threshold contribute to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life for elderly subjects. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to verify whether or not rehabilitation using first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves both speech perception in a noisy environment over time and the overall health-related quality of life. Methods The monocentric, prospective, repeated measurements, single-subject, clinical observational study is to recruit 100 older adults, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years).The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes in specific measurement tools a year after the first HA usage in comparison with the evaluation before HA fitting. Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise to be used is the Italian version of Oldenburg Satz (OLSA) test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaires. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help in screening the cognitive state of the subjects. Discussion The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the older adults immediately before first HA usage (Pre) and after 1 year of experience (Post). This broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in older individuals, and therefore improves potentials for healthy aging. The data is to be analyzed by using an intrasubject endpoint comparison. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail. Trial registration This research was retrospectively registered underno. NCT04333043at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.

Counseling during Real Ear Measurements: The Clients' Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Ryall ◽  
Lorienne M. Jenstad ◽  
John Pumford ◽  
Tami Howe ◽  
Garnet Grosjean
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background When dispensing hearing aids, audiologists must follow validated fitting and verification procedures to ensure that the hearing aids are properly fitted to the client's hearing. Real ear measurements (REMs) are best practice for verifying hearing aids. Prior literature regarding REMs has mainly focused on the clinicians' perspective. Purpose This study investigated informational counseling throughout REMs by gathering perspectives of first-time hearing aid users regarding the content and format of counseling. Research Design The study used an interpretive description approach with focus groups. Study Sample There were 16 adult participants (4 males, 12 females) who were first-time hearing aid users and who all had memory of REMs occurring during their own hearing aid verification. Intervention We investigated the addition of informational counseling during REM verification. Data Collection and Analysis Four focus groups were conducted to elicit feedback on a demonstration of informational counseling during REM hearing aid verification. The data from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Analysis revealed positive aspects, negative aspects, and suggested changes in relation to the verbal and visual information presented during the REM verification demonstration. These data fell into two broad categories: the interaction and transaction of informational counseling. Conclusion Most clients were interested in learning more about REMs if the information was accessible. Results provide recommendations for clinical audiologists and REM system manufacturers to make the information presented during informational counseling more client-friendly and individualized for client-centered care. To continue exploring this new inquiry, further experimental research is required to determine if there is any added value of incorporating informational counseling during REMs.

Hearing Loss, Control, and Demographic Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Use Among Older Adults

1998 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean C. Garstecki ◽  
Susan F. Erler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Psychological Control ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Ego Strength ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Hearing Handicap

Preference for non-use of hearing aids among older adults who are candidates for amplification remains to be explained. Clinical studies have examined the contribution of consumer attitudes, behaviors, and life circumstances to this phenomenon. The present study extends the interests of earlier investigators in that it examines psychological control tendencies in combination with hearing loss and demographic variables among older adults who elected to accept (adherents) or ignore (nonadherents) advice from hearing professionals to acquire and use hearing aids. One hundred thirty-one individuals participated by completing measures of hearing, hearing handicap, psychological control, depression, and ego strength. Participants were asked to provide demographic information and personal opinions regarding hearing aid use. Adherence group and gender differences were noted on measures of hearing sensitivity, psychological control, and demographic factors. Female adherents demonstrated greater hearing loss and poorer word recognition ability but less hearing handicap, higher internal locus of control, higher ego strength, and fewer depressive tendencies than female nonadherents. They reported demographic advantages. Female adherents assumed responsibility for effective communication. Although male adherents and nonadherents did not differ significantly demographically, male adherents were more accepting of their hearing loss, took responsibility for communication problems, and found hearing aids less stigmatizing. Implications for clinical practice and future clinical investigations are identified and discussed. Results are expected to be of interest to clinicians, clinical investigators, and health care policymakers.

Heterogeneity in Vison, Hand Function, Cognition, and Health Literacy Among Older Veterans: Impacts, Outcomes, and Clinical Recommendations for First-Time Hearing Aid Users

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
Leslie Grush ◽  
Jay Vachhani ◽  
Katharina V. Echt ◽  
Susan Griest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Age-related changes (both normal and pathological), and health literacy are relevant to audiological practice. Changes associated with the musculoskeletal, vascular, and nervous systems drive manual, visual, and cognitive function. These in turn affect the capabilities required for effective hearing aid (HA) skill acquisition, use, and management. Meanwhile, health literacy influences the ability to gain access to, understand, and use information, which is important for promoting and maintaining HA use and management. Understanding the interindividual variability of these variables can help audiologists characterize those individuals who might have suboptimal HA outcomes. This knowledge can then inform better clinical practices and guide implementation of processes to improve care quality and outcomes. Purpose The aim of the study is to assess the variation in manual, visual, and cognitive function, and health literacy, among community-dwelling older individuals, and to determine whether and which of these variables are associated with reported HA outcome and/or the knowledge and skill to manage HAs. Research Design Data presented here were collected as part of an efficacy trial of four variants of HA orientation. The data were collected at baseline (prior to HA fitting) and after 4 to 8 weeks of HA use. Study Sample The study sample consists of 265 U.S. Veterans aged 51 to 87 years with no previous HA experience who were scheduled to receive their first pair of HAs from the Veterans Administration. Data Collection and Analysis We assessed baseline measures of hand function, vision, cognition, and health literacy just prior to participants receiving their first pair of HAs. HA management skills and knowledge, and HA outcome were measured after 4 to 8 weeks of HA use using the Hearing Aid Skills and Knowledge (HASK) and International Outcomes Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), respectively. Data collected here was compared with published norms to assess variation in baseline measures. Associations between baseline performance and outcomes data were examined using t-tests comparing participants who performed at or above age-based norms with those who performed below age-based norms. Results Participants' performance on the baseline measures was highly variable, with the proportions of individuals performing below norms varying by test measure. When combining data across the nine baseline measures, approximately 10% of participants performed below published norms on five or more measures, and 85% performed below norms on at least one measure. Poor manual dexterity, ability to learn a new task, and ability to draw inferences from spoken information negatively impacted HA management and outcome. Conclusion There was a considerable heterogeneity among a community-dwelling sample of first time HA users in terms of sensory, cognitive, and motor function. Clinicians should consider modifying their clinical practice to account for such heterogeneity and best support their patients in adapting to new HAs.

scholarly journals Perception of One’s Own Voice After Hearing-Aid Fitting for Naive Hearing-Aid Users and Hearing-Aid Refitting for Experienced Hearing-Aid Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 233121652093246
Author(s):  
Johanna Hengen ◽  
Inger L. Hammarström ◽  
Stefan Stenfelt
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Voice Perception ◽  
Hearing Aid Fitting ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Vocal Intensity ◽  
First Time

Dissatisfaction with the sound of one’s own voice is common among hearing-aid users. Little is known regarding how hearing impairment and hearing aids separately affect own-voice perception. This study examined own-voice perception and associated issues before and after a hearing-aid fitting for new hearing-aid users and refitting for experienced users to investigate whether it was possible to differentiate between the effect of (unaided) hearing impairment and hearing aids. Further aims were to investigate whether First-Time and Experienced users as well as users with dome and mold inserts differed in the severity of own-voice problems. The study had a cohort design with three groups: First-Time hearing-aid users going from unaided to aided hearing ( n = 70), Experienced hearing-aid users replacing their old hearing aids ( n = 70), and an unaided control group ( n = 70). The control group was surveyed once and the hearing-aid users twice; once before hearing-aid fitting/refitting and once after. The results demonstrated that own-voice problems are common among both First-Time and Experienced hearing-aid users with either dome- or mold-type fittings, while people with near-normal hearing and not using hearing aids report few problems. Hearing aids increased ratings of own-voice problems among First-Time users, particularly those with mold inserts. The results suggest that altered auditory feedback through unaided hearing impairment or through hearing aids is likely both to change own-voice perception and complicate regulation of vocal intensity, but hearing aids are the primary reason for poor perceived sound quality of one’s own voice.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic differences in hearing among middle-aged and older adults: cross-sectional analyses using the Health Survey for England

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e019615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Scholes ◽  
Jane Biddulph ◽  
Adrian Davis ◽  
Jennifer S. Mindell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Health Survey For England

BackgroundHearing loss impacts on cognitive, social and physical functioning. Both hearing loss and hearing aid use vary across population subgroups. We examined whether hearing loss, and reported current hearing aid use among persons with hearing loss, were associated with different markers of socioeconomic status (SES) in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.MethodsHearing was measured using an audiometric screening device in the Health Survey for England 2014 (3292 participants aged 45 years and over). Hearing loss was defined as >35 dB HL at 3.0 kHz in the better-hearing ear. Using sex-specific logistic regression modelling, we evaluated the associations between SES and hearing after adjustment for potential confounders.Results26% of men and 20% of women aged 45 years and over had hearing loss. Hearing loss was higher among men in the lowest SES groups. For example, the multivariable-adjusted odds of hearing loss were almost two times as high for those in the lowest versus the highest income tertile (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.74). Among those with hearing loss, 30% of men and 27% of women were currently using a hearing aid. Compared with men in the highest income tertile, the multivariable-adjusted odds of using a hearing aid nowadays were lower for men in the middle (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.99) and the lowest (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.97) income tertiles. Associations between SES and hearing were weaker or null among women.ConclusionsWhile the burden of hearing loss fell highest among men in the lowest SES groups, current hearing aid use was demonstrably lower. Initiatives to detect hearing loss early and increase the uptake and the use of hearing aids may provide substantial public health benefits and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health.

scholarly journals Age-related hearing loss in older adults with cognitive impairment

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Nirmalasari ◽  
Sara K. Mamo ◽  
Carrie L. Nieman ◽  
Allison Simpson ◽  
Jessica Zimmerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Medical History ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Memory Clinic ◽  
Care Plans

ABSTRACTBackground:Hearing loss can impair effective communication between caregivers and individuals with cognitive impairment. However, hearing loss is not often measured or addressed in care plans for these individuals. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of hearing loss and the utilization of hearing aids in a sample of individuals with cognitive impairment in a tertiary care memory clinic.Methods:A retrospective review of 133 charts of individuals >50 years who underwent hearing assessment at a tertiary care memory clinic over a 12-month period (June 2014–June 2015) was undertaken. Using descriptive statistics, the prevalence of hearing loss was determined and associations with demographic variables, relevant medical history, cognitive status, and hearing aid utilization were investigated.Results:Results indicate that hearing loss is highly prevalent among this sample of cognitively impaired older adults. Sixty percent of the sample had at least a mild hearing loss in the better hearing ear. Among variables examined, age, MMSE, and medical history of diabetes were strongly associated with hearing impairment. Hearing aid utilization increased in concordance with severity of hearing loss, from 9% to 54% of individuals with a mild or moderate/severe hearing loss, respectively.Conclusions:Hearing loss is highly prevalent among older adults with cognitive impairment. Despite high prevalence of hearing loss, hearing aid utilization remains low. Our study highlights the importance of hearing evaluation and rehabilitation as part of the cognitive assessment and care management plan in this vulnerable population.

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