Knowledge and Expectations of Hearing Aid Applications: A Cross-sectional Survey of Smartphone Users and Hearing Professionals (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Sang Han ◽  
Yong-Ho Park ◽  
Jae-Jun Song ◽  
Il Joon Moon ◽  
Woojoo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cost Category ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
The Cost

BACKGROUND Despite the increasing prevalence of hearing loss, the cost and psychological barriers to use of hearing aids may prevent individuals with hearing loss from using these aids. Hearing loss patients can benefit from smartphone-based hearing aid applications (SHAAs), which are smartphone applications that use a mobile device as sound amplifier. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to determine how ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatients perceived SHAAs, analyze factors that affected this, and estimate costs of annual subscription to an application through a self-administered questionnaire survey of smartphone users and hearing specialists. METHODS The study employed cross-sectional, multi-center survey of both ENT outpatients and hearing specialists. The questionnaire was designed to collect personal information about the respondents as well as responses to 18 questions concerning SHAAs in 5 domains: knowledge, needs, cost, expectations, and information. Questions about the expected cost of SHAAs were included in the questionnaire distributed to hearing experts. RESULTS Among 219 smartphone users and 42 hearing specialists, only eight respondents (3.7%) recognized SHAAs, while 47 of 261 respondents (21.5%) reported considering using an assistive device to improve their hearing capacities. Average perception score was 2.81 (95% CI 2.65-2.97), lower than the grade point average of 3. Among factors that shaped perceptions of SHAAs, the needs category received the lowest scores (2.02, 95% CI 1.83-2.20) whereas the cost category received the highest scores (3.29, 95% CI 3.14-3.44). Age was correlated with the information domain (P = .000) and an increased level of hearing impairment resulted in significantly higher points in the needs category (P = .000). Patients expected the cost of an annual application subscription to an SHAA to be about 86 USD, and predicted cost was associated with economic status (P = .200) and was noticeably higher than the prices expected by hearing specialists (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Outpatients expected SHAAs to cost more than hearing specialists. However, SHAA perception was relatively low. In this regard, enhanced awareness of SHAAs is required to popularize SHAAs. CLINICALTRIAL None

scholarly journals Evaluating the causative factors that lead to rejection of hearing aids among young adults having moderate to severe degree sensorineural hearing loss

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-57
Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Usama Basheer ◽  
Atia Ur Rehman ◽  
Humaira Waseem ◽  
Wajeeha Zaib
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Financial Factors ◽  
Causative Factors

Background: Hearing loss in young adulthood causes real stigma and a state of denial. The crucial clinical management to sustain the hearing loss is hearing aid fitting, but most adult people reject it or do not use it. Many factors, including social, personal, and device problems, lessen the usage of hearing aid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the causative factors which can lead to the rejection of hearing aids.  Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional survey carried out in 9 cities of Punjab, Pakistan, using a convenient sampling technique during summer 2018. A total of 171 participants were included who were young adults ranging from 19-40 years. A questionnaire with 11 factors and a further 35 sub-reasons was given to the participants. Questions were close-ended in yes or no. Data were analyzed through frequency and percentages tabulation with SPSS software. Results: Results showed that hearing aid value/speech clarity was the most problematic reason for patients to reject hearing aid. The given factor had four sub-reasons ('noisy situation,' 'poor benefit,' 'poor sound quality, and 'not suitable for the type of hearing loss). A total number n=154 (90.05%) marked yes for facing poor sound quality followed by poor benefit n=141 (82.45%), not suitable for the type of hearing loss n=121 (70.76%) and noisy situation n=118 (69.00%), thus making hearing aid value the leading cause of rejection. The second leading cause was financial factors followed by situational factors, appearance, fit and comfort, device factors, psychosocial factors, ear infections, care and maintenance, attitude, and family pressure to use a hearing aid.  Conclusion: Most prevalent cause of not taking up a hearing aid is the hearing aid value followed by financial factors, situational factors, appearance, fit, and comfort.

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.

Audiologist Practices: Parent Hearing Aid Education and Support

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (04) ◽  
pp. 324-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Meibos ◽  
Karen Muñoz ◽  
Karl White ◽  
Elizabeth Preston ◽  
Cache Pitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
The United States ◽  
Counseling Skills ◽  
Data Logging ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Aid Use

Background: Early identification of hearing loss has led to routine fitting of hearing aids in infants and young children. Amplification provides opportunities to optimize child development, although it also introduces challenges for parents to navigate. Audiologists have a central role in providing parents with support to achieve effective management strategies and habits. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore current practices of pediatric audiologists who work with children birth to 5 yr of age, regarding their support of parent learning in achieving effective hearing aid management, identify existing gaps in service delivery, and to determine if audiologists were receptive to receiving training related to effective approaches to provide counseling and support to parents. Research Design: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was used. Study Sample: Three hundred and forty-nine surveys were analyzed from pediatric audiologists who provided services to children birth to 5 yr of age. Responses were received from 22 states in the United States. Data Collection and Analysis: Responses were collected through the mail and online. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the information. Results: More than half (61%) of the audiologists in the study had been providing pediatric hearing aid services to children birth to 5 yr of age for >10 yr. Of the audiologists who reported monitoring hours of hearing aid use, the majority reported that they used data logging (90%). More than half of the audiologists (57%) who shared data logging with parents reported that they encountered defensiveness from parents when addressing hearing aid use. Information and skills that were not routinely provided by one-third to one-half of the audiologists included the following: how to get access to loaner hearing aids (30%), available hearing aid options/accessories (33%), available financial assistance (36%), how to teach hearing aid management to other caregivers (38%), how to do hearing aid maintenance (44%), and how to do a Ling 6 sound check (52%). Many audiologists reported they did not frequently collaborate with speech-language pathologists (48%), early interventionists (47%), or physicians (68%). More than half of the audiologists indicated a desire for more training in counseling skills, for all 14 items queried, to support parents with hearing aid management (53–79%), regardless of their previous training experience. Conclusions: For young children with hearing loss to achieve optimal benefit from auditory experiences for speech and language development, they need evidence-based, comprehensive, and coordinated hearing aid management. Audiologists have an important role for teaching information and skills related to hearing aids, supporting parent learning, and collaborating with other providers. Pediatric audiologists in this study recognized and desired the need for further training in counseling skills that can better prepare them to meet the emotional needs of parents in the hearing aid management process.

Parent Hearing Aid Experiences in the United States

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (01) ◽  
pp. 005-016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Muñoz ◽  
Kristina Blaiser ◽  
Karianne Barwick
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Aid Fitting ◽  
Parent Experiences

Background: Children born with permanent hearing loss have the opportunity to receive services earlier as a result of newborn hearing screening (NHS). We conducted a survey to address three aspects within the early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) process: (1) timeliness of service delivery, (2) hearing device access, and (3) hearing aid management. Parent experiences provide valuable information in identifying existing challenges for these components of the EHDI system. Purpose: The aim was to investigate parent experiences as they access and manage hearing aids for their child. Research Design: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was used. Study Sample: Three hundred fifty-two completed surveys from parents of children born between 1977 and 2010 were returned from 45 states in the United States. Data Collection and Analysis: Responses were obtained online and through the mail, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Over time, the age of hearing loss identification has decreased to a median of 2 mo, age of first hearing aid fitting has decreased to a median of 5 mo, and the delay between hearing loss identification and hearing aid fitting has remained the same with a median of 2 mo. For children born between 2007 and 2010, the top three challenges parents reported in obtaining hearing aids were (1) paying for hearing aids, (2) accepting the need for hearing aids, and (3) wait time for an appointment. Almost one-half (48%) of the parents reported that they did not receive adequate support from their audiologist in how to check the function of their child's hearing aids. Conclusions: Significant progress has been made over the past two decades in reducing the age of hearing loss identification and hearing aid fitting for children who do not pass the NHS. However, many children continue to experience delays between hearing loss diagnosis and hearing aid fitting that exceed Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recommendations. The experiences parents reported provide valuable information about areas that need further investigation to improve the process for children with hearing loss.

Measuring Cochlear Implant Satisfaction in Postlingually Deafened Adults With The SADL Inventory

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (09) ◽  
pp. 721-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Ou ◽  
Camille C. Dunn ◽  
Ruth A. Bentler ◽  
Xuyang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Similar Factor

Background: Cochlear implants (CI) have become widely used for the management of profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, data relative to satisfaction in CI users are not so readily available. No standard outcome inventory for CI users has been developed. The Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) inventory was originally developed for hearing aid users by Cox and Alexander (1999). Because the SADL inventory has been shown to have good psychometric properties for use within hearing aid users, the present study adapted the SADL for CI use and assessed the validity and reliability of the adapted version. Purpose: (1) To explore the factor structure (i.e., subscales), validity, and reliability of the SADL inventory applied to CI users and compare the resulting factor structure to that reported by Cox and Alexander (1999) for hearing aid users; and (2) to evaluate the satisfaction level of CI users as measured by the SADL inventory and compare the satisfaction level of unilateral CI users (CI-only) to that of users of a CI and hearing aid in opposite ears (CIHA). Research Design: A cross-sectional survey. All CIHA users in this study voluntarily elected to wear their hearing aids in conjunction with their CIs. Study Sample: The satisfaction level of postlingually deafened adult CI users was assessed for 100 CI-only and 35 CIHA users using the SADL inventory. Data Collection And Analysis: The psychometric properties of the adapted SADL following administration to CI-only and CIHA users were examined through a factor analysis. Results: A similar factor structure was found for CI-only users compared to the original published SADL data. The differences were primarily related to one particular factor. CI users have a moderately high satisfaction level. No significant differences were found between the CI-only and CIHA groups except for hearing aid feedback. Conclusions: It is concluded that the SADL is appropriate for clinical use with CI users.

scholarly journals The Effects of Manufacturer’s Prefit and Real-Ear Fitting on the Predicted Speech Perception of Children with Severe to Profound Hearing Loss

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (05) ◽  
pp. 346-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Kar Quar ◽  
Cila Umat ◽  
Yong Yee Chew
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
High Input ◽  
Profound Hearing Loss ◽  
High Frequency Region ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractThe use of probe microphone measures in hearing aid verification is often neglected or not fully used by practitioners. Some practitioners rely on simulated gain and output provided by manufacturer's fitting software to verify hearing aids.This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of manufacturer’s prefit procedure in matching the prescribed real-ear targets. It also aims to study its correlated impact on the predicted speech perception in children with severe and profound hearing loss.This cross-sectional experiment was carried out by measuring the output of hearing aids based on prefit versus real-ear at low-, moderate-, and high-input levels. The predicted speech perception for different hearing aid fittings was determined based on the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII).Sixteen children (28 ears) aged between 4 and 7 yr, with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss took part in the study.Two different types of hearing aids (Phonak and Unitron) were programmed based on their respective manufacturers’ Desired Sensation Levels (DSL) v5 Child procedure. The hearing aids were then verified using coupler-based measurements and individual real-ear-to-coupler differences. The prefit outputs were compared with the DSL v5 Child–prescribed outputs at low-, moderate-, and high-input levels. The hearing aids were then adjusted to closely match the prescribed output. The SIIs were calculated for the fittings before and after adjustment.Sixty four percent of fittings that were based on the prefit procedure achieved the optimal fit-to-targets, with less than 5-dB RMS deviations from the DSL v5 Child targets. After adjusting the hearing aids to attempt to meet the DSL v5 Child targets, 75% of the ears tested achieved the optimal fit-to-targets. On average, hearing aid outputs generated by the manufacturer’s prefit procedure had good and reasonable agreement with the DSL v5 Child–prescribed outputs at low- and mid-frequencies. Nonetheless, at 4000 Hz, the hearing aid output mostly fell below the DSL v5 Child–prescribed outputs. This was still the case even after the hearing aid was adjusted to attempt to match with the targets. At low input level, some prefit outputs were found to be higher than the prescribed outputs. The deviations of prefit outputs from the prescribed outputs were dependent on the type of hearing aid and input levels. There was no significant difference between the SII calculated for fittings based on the prefit and adjusted fit.Prefit procedure tends to produce outputs that were below the DSL v5 Child–prescribed outputs, with the largest mean difference at 4000 Hz. Even though the hearing aid gains were adjusted to attempt to match with the targets, the outputs were still below the targets. The limitations of hearing aids to match the DSL v5 Child targets at high-frequency region have resulted in no improvement in the children’s predicted speech perception.

scholarly journals Addressing age related hearing loss through engineering accessible and affordable hearing technology

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soham Sinha ◽  
Urvaksh D. Irani ◽  
Vinaya Manchaiah ◽  
M. Saad Bhamla
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Elderly Person ◽  
Grand Challenge ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Product Profile ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Age Related Hearing Loss

Hearing Aids have dominated the audiological market for decades. While the costs of the electronic components have reduced substantially, the cost of a hearing aid has risen steadily to the point that it has become unaffordable for the vast majority of the population with Age Related Hearing Loss (ARHL). Here, we present an ultra-low-cost, affordable and accessible hearing aid device (‘LoCHAid’), specifically targeted for ARHL in elderly patients. The LoCHAid costs only 98 cents (< $1) to mass manufacture and can be personalized for each user through a 3D-printable case. It is designed to be an over-the-counter (OTC) self-serviceable solution for elderly individuals with ARHL. Electroacoustic measurements show that the device meets most of the targets set out by the WHO Preferred Product Profile and Consumer Technology Association for Hearing Aids. The frequency response of the hearing aid shows selectable gain in the range of 4-8 kHz, and mild to moderate gain between 200-1000 Hz, and shows very limited total distortion (1%). Simulated gain measurements show that the LoCHAid is well fitted to a range of ARHL profiles for males and females between the ages of 60-79 years. Overall, the measurements show that the device has the potential to benefit individuals with ARHL. Thus, our proposed design addresses a long-standing and grand challenge of affordable and accessible hearing technology for every elderly person on this planet.

Older Adults

1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean C. Garstecki
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Physician Education ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Communication Effectiveness ◽  
Consumer Benefit ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Communication Situations

Older adult successful hearing aid users demonstrated an advantage in self-perceived communication effectiveness over nonusers in selected communication situations. They were more likely than nonusers to take a proactive approach to managing difficult communication situations. Successful hearing aid users accepted their hearing loss condition. In managing their hearing loss, successful users based their decision to purchase and use hearing aids on personal information and initiative rather than being influenced by the perceptions of others. Hearing aid costs and personal appearance while wearing hearing aids were nondeterring factors in their acceptance and use. Successful hearing aid users were more tolerant of imperfections in the hearing aid delivery system and product performance than those who chose not to use amplification. Overall results suggest the need for further investigation of personality factors that influence hearing aid selection and use; increased consumer and physician education in the advantages of hearing aid use; population-specific approaches to counseling in the acceptance and use of amplification; and development of approaches to marketing hearing instruments that emphasize consumer benefit.

scholarly journals Hearing loss among elderly people and access to hearing aids: a cross-sectional study from a rural area in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Didczuneit-Sandhop ◽  
Katarzyna Jóźwiak ◽  
Manja Jolie ◽  
Josefine Holdys ◽  
Michael Hauptmann
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Purpose Hearing loss is common and associated with reduced quality of life, particularly among elderly people. However, many patients do not use hearing aids. We evaluated the use of hearing aids among people with hearing loss by health services availability near their residence in a rural area in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. Methods Audiometry was performed in a convenience sample of subjects in ten towns and hearing loss was determined, defined as a threshold of ≥ 30 dB in at least one ear and at least one of the frequencies 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz. For each participant, age and gender were collected and whether or not hearing aids were available. Results Among 186 persons with an average age of 74 years (interquartile range 71–81), 97% had hearing loss [95% confidence interval (CI) 95–100]. Among 121 patients with hearing loss who reported whether or not they have a hearing aid, 93 had no hearing aid (77%, 95% CI 69–84). The proportion of hearing-impaired persons who do not have a hearing aid significantly increased with the absence of a hearing aid specialist or ear nose throat (ENT) physician or both in the town where the tests were performed (p trend = 0.001). Conclusion Hearing loss is common among elderly people in the study area and many people in rural areas in Germany may not be properly supplied with hearing aids due to lack of hearing aid specialists and/or ENT physicians close to their residence. Interventions to improve this situation are urgently required.

Consumer Ratings of the Most Desirable Hearing Aid Attributes

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (08) ◽  
pp. 537-546
Author(s):  
Vinaya Manchaiah ◽  
Erin M. Picou ◽  
Abram Bailey ◽  
Hansapani Rodrigo
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Partitioning Around Medoids ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Physical Comfort ◽  
Technology Level

Abstract Background Modern hearing aids have various features and functionalities, such as digital wireless streaming, bilateral connectivity, rechargeability, and specialized programs, which allow for a multitude of hearing aid attributes (e.g., comfort, reliability, and clarity). Consumers likely vary greatly in their preferences for these hearing aid attributes. Their preferences might be related to various demographic and hearing loss characteristics. Purpose The purposes of this study were to describe which hearing aid attributes consumers find desirable when choosing their hearing aids and to explore factors that might predict preferences. Research Design Cross-sectional. Study Sample 14,993. Intervention Not applicable. Data Collection and Analysis In this retrospective study, hearing aid attribute preferences were evaluated from consumers who answered questions in the Help Me Choose tool on the HearingTracker.com Web site. Chi-squared tests and correlation analyses were used to identify potential relationships between attribute preference and respondent characteristics. Cluster analysis with Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) was used to identify patterns of attribute preferences. Results Of the 21 hearing aid attributes queried, the four most favorably rated were improved ability to hear friends and family in quiet and in noisy settings, physical comfort, and reliability, with 75 to 88% of respondents rating these attributes as very or extremely important. Type of hearing loss, technology level preference, and mobile phone brand were significantly associated with preferences for all 21 hearing aid attributes. PAM cluster analysis unveiled two unique user groups based on their preference to hearing aid attributes. One-third of the respondents preferred high-end technology and favored all types of advanced attributes. The other two-thirds of users predominantly preferred either advanced or best match and were more selective about which attributes were most important to them. Conclusion Patterns in preferences to hearing aid attributes help identify unique subgroups of consumers. Patient preferences for specific hearing aid attributes, in addition to audiologic characteristics, could help audiologists in recommending hearing aids for their patients.

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