Factors influencing degree of hearing loss at presentation, hearing aid choice, and usage in first time hearing aid users in Singapore

Factors influencing hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction in adults: a systematic review of the past decade

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review examined the audiological and non-audiological factors that influence hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction in adults based on studies published during the last decade (2010 and 2023).

DESIGN

Studies were identified by using PRISMA guidelines for systematic searches on five platforms (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost including CINAHL and Academic Search Complete). The National Institute of Health Quality assessment tool and the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine tool were used for quality assessment and grading of level of evidence.

RESULTS

Forty-six articles were included in the review. A total of 101 significant factors influencing hearing aid use (n = 47), benefit (n = 17) and satisfaction (n = 37) were identified. Clear determinants of hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction included hearing sensitivity, self-reported hearing difficulty, speech perception, attitude and beliefs. 34 cross-sectional studies in this review were graded level 4, 9 cohort studies rated level 3, and 3 randomised control trials rated level 2.

CONCLUSION

Factors associated with hearing aid outcomes identified in the past decade support previous evidence. New factors like social networks and service-delivery models, have also been identified. These factors require further investigations through high quality studies to further strengthen existing evidence.

Changing patient profile, hearing aid use and disability among first-time hearing aid users in Singapore over a decade

OBJECTIVES

To examine the time trends in demographics, hearing characteristics, hearing aid (HA) choices, usage and patient-reported disability among first-time HA users in Singapore over a decade.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. Study sample: 1052 subjects issued with HAs at a tertiary hospital from 2004 to 2013.

RESULTS

An increase in number of first time HA users were seen from 2004 to 2013. Although mean age did not change significantly, the proportion of older adults (>80 years) being fitted increased (p for trend = 0.033). Inflation adjusted cost of HAs rose over time (p < 0.001 for trend). Bilateral HA uptake increased (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.58 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.35-1.85) while use of customisable HAs decreased (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.84) over the period. A decrease in the proportion of subjects reporting 5 or more disabilities (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.34-0.59) and using their HAs >7 hours daily (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.34-0.59) was seen.

CONCLUSION

From 2004 to 2013, there was a positive trend towards HA uptake in Singapore. Bilateral HA uptake increased while customisable in ear type of HA use decreased. While hearing disability showed a decreasing trend, HA usage remained suboptimal.