Investigating the prevalence and impact of device-related problems associated with hearing aid use. (31st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bennett, Rebecca J.; Kosovich, Erin M.; Stegeman, Inge; Ebrahimi-Madiseh, Azadeh; Tegg-Quinn, Susan; Eikelboom, Robert H.
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 59:Number 8(2020)
• Page Start: 615
• Page End: 623
• Publication Date: 2020-07-31
• Subjects: Hearing loss -- hearing aid -- hearing aid problems -- hearing aid issues -- hearing aid management -- hearing aid outcomes -- audiologist -- survey; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1731615
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore the prevalence of device-related problems associated with hearing aid use, participants' help-seeking behaviours for these problems, and factors associated with hearing aid problems. Design: A prospective convenience cohort design surveying 413 adult hearing aid users (34–97 years of age) recruited from seven clinics across Australia. Results: Almost all participants (98%) indicated that they were experiencing at least one of the hearing aid problems included on the survey. The number of hearing aid related problems reported by participants ranged from 0 to 25 (of a possible 26), with a mean of 10 problems (SD = 5). The three most reported problems were related to difficulty hearing in noisy environments, hearing in windy environments, and understanding certain voices. Participants had reported less than half (46.33%) of the total problems identified to their clinic (range = 0–100%, mean = 43.40, SD = 13.92). Participants who reported experiencing a greater number of hearing aid problems also reported lower levels of hearing aid benefit, and satisfaction with their hearing aids. Conclusions: The majority of hearing aid owners experience problems with their hearing aids. Addressing these problems would likely contribute to improved hearing aid outcomes.