'Getting used to' hearing aids from the perspective of adult hearing-aid users. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawes, Piers; Maslin, Michael; Munro, Kevin J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 53:Number 12(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 861
• Page End: 870
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2014.938782
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective:</italic> To describe getting used to hearing aids from the perspective of adult hearing-aid users. <italic>Design:</italic> Three focus group discussions were carried out. A topic guide and discussion exercises were used to elicit views on getting used to hearing aids. Discussion was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to qualitative content analysis. <italic>Study sample:</italic> Adult hearing aid users (n = 16). <italic>Results:</italic> Participants described getting used to hearing aids as a multi-factorial process which included adjusting to altered sensory input, practical matters such as cleaning and maintenance, and managing the psychosocial impact of hearing-aid use, such as on self-image. Users reported a process of discovering benefits and limitations of hearing aids leading to individual patterns of use that was relatively independent of input from audiologists. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Getting used to hearing aids is a challenging multi-factorial process with both psychosocial and practical difficulties besides demands of adjusting to hearing-aid input.</p> </abstract>