Survey on Hearing Aid Use and Satisfaction in Patients with Presbyacusis

Abstract

Context: Hearing aids (HAs) are the principal means of auditory rehabilitation for patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Yet, there are a lot of resistances to use HAs due to the expense, cosmetic concerns and lack of sufficient perceived benefit. A scientific analysis of outcomes in HAs users and the factors involved will lead to a better understanding among the care givers and will ultimately positively influence the outcomes in the HA users. This is the basis of the following study. Aims: (1) To assess the subjective level of satisfaction in patients of presbycusis using mono-aural HAs. (2) To study various attributes in HA users. Settings and Design: Study design - Prospective. Study period - February 2011 to September 2012. Subjects and Methods: The study was done in five basic steps: (1) Selection of subjects based on inclusion criteria. (2) Awareness and counseling regarding HAs. (3) Preintervention assessment. (4) HA fitting, adjustment and rehabilitation. (5) Postintervention assessment. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean, percentage, two-tailed P value using Fischer exact. Results: There was a high level of satisfaction in terms of hearing benefit (74%) among users at the end of 4 months. Almost half the subjects reported no problems with their HAs. Subjects with mild hearing impairment were less satisfied with their HAs than the others. Most people under used their HAs even when they were satisfied. Subjects with severe hearing loss used their HAs for longer duration daily. Conclusions: Mono-aural HAs significantly and satisfactorily rehabilitate patients with presbycusis. Mono-aural fitting is a cost effective option, especially in developing countries like ours.