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Avierinos RJ, Beukes E, Manchaiah V, Oosthuizen I, le Roux T, Swanepoel DW. Meaningful life changes following hearing aid use: a qualitative user perspective. Int J Audiol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39002139 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2376043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore meaningful life changes due to hearing aid use in adult users. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey design was used with open-ended questions analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. STUDY SAMPLE US-based adult hearing aid users (n = 653) from the Hearing Tracker website community and Lexie Hearing database. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 65.4 years (13.6 SD), including 61.2% males, 38.3% females (0.5% other). Analysis of 2122 meaning units from responses identified two broad domains: 'meaningful benefits' (n = 1709; 80.5%) and 'remaining difficulties' (n = 413; 19.5%). The meaningful benefits domain included five categories (27 sub-categories): (a) psychosocial benefits, (b) improvements in hearing, (c) personal benefits, (d) hearing aid features and connectivity, and (e) situational benefits. Participants reported enhanced relationships and improved occupational functioning as key benefits. The remaining difficulties domain contained four categories (25 sub-categories): (a) hearing aid limitations, (b) hearing and communication issues, (c) situational difficulties, and (d) personal issues. Notable difficulties included hearing aid design issues and challenges in noisy environments. CONCLUSION Hearing aid users reported diverse benefits and persistent challenges related to device use, illustrating the complexity of their lived experiences. These findings can inform empathetic, effective rehabilitation strategies and user-centric hearing aid technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Jayné Avierinos
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eldre Beukes
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, Cambridge, UK
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Group, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vinaya Manchaiah
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ilze Oosthuizen
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, Cambridge, UK
| | - Talita le Roux
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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van Bruggen S, Bennett RJ, Manchaiah V, Jager LBD, Swanepoel DW. Perceptions of Hearing Health Care: A Qualitative Analysis of Satisfied and Dissatisfied Online Reviews. Am J Audiol 2024; 33:386-410. [PMID: 38483218 DOI: 10.1044/2024_aja-23-00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the hearing health care experience of satisfied and dissatisfied consumers as reported on Google reviews. METHOD Using qualitative thematic analysis, open-text responses from Google regarding hearing health care clinics across 40 U.S. cities were examined. During the original search, 13,168 reviews were identified. Purposive sampling led to a total of 8,420 five-star reviews and 321 one-star reviews. The sample consisted of 500 five-star (satisfied) and 234 one-star (dissatisfied) reviews, describing experiences with audiology clinics, excluding reviews related to ear, nose, and throat services; other medical specialties; and those not relevant to hearing health care. RESULTS Satisfied and dissatisfied consumer reviews yielded nuanced dimensions of the hearing health care consumer experience, which were grouped into distinct domains, themes, and subthemes. Six and seven domains were identified from the satisfied and dissatisfied reviews, encompassing 23 and 26 themes, respectively. The overall experience domain revealed emotions ranging from contentment and gratitude to dissatisfaction and waning loyalty. The clinical outcomes domain highlights the pivotal contribution of well-being and hearing outcomes to the consumer experience, while the standard of care domain underscores shared expectations for punctuality, person-centered care, and efficient communication. Facility quality, professional competence, and inclusive care were also highlighted across positive and negative reviews. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate dimensions of satisfied and dissatisfied hearing health care consumer experiences, identifying areas for potential service refinement. These consumer experiences inform person-centric service delivery in hearing health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchia van Bruggen
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Jane Bennett
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vinaya Manchaiah
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab (a collaborative initiative between the University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria), Aurora, CO
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, India
| | - Leigh Biagio-de Jager
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab (a collaborative initiative between the University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria), Aurora, CO
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
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Hall DA, Xiong B, Li W, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhao F. Why is tinnitus a problem? A large-scale qualitative evaluation of problems reported by tinnitus patients in mainland China. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:334-341. [PMID: 37093086 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2199441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The lived experience of tinnitus has biopsychosocial characteristics which are influenced by sociocultural factors. The main purpose of this study is to investigate how tinnitus affects people in their everyday life in China. A deductive qualitative analysis examined whether an a priori Western-centric conceptual framework could extend to an Asian context. DESIGN A large-scale prospective survey collected patient-reported problems associated with tinnitus in 485 adults attending four major ENT clinics in Eastern and Southern mainland China. RESULTS The evidence suggests that patients in China express a narrower range of problem domains associated with the lived experience of tinnitus. While 13 tinnitus-related problem domains were confirmed, culture-specific adaptations included the addition uncomfortable (a novel concept not previously reported), and the potential exclusion of concepts such as intrusiveness, loss of control, loss of peace and loss of sense of self. CONCLUSIONS The sociocultural context of patients across China plays an important role in defining the vocabulary used to describe the patient-centred impacts of tinnitus. Possible explanatory factors include cultural differences in the meaning and relevance of certain concepts relating to self and in help-seeking behaviour, low health literacy and a different lexicon in Chinese compared to English to describe tinnitus-related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Hall
- School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Hearing Sciences, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Binbin Xiong
- Center for Hearing and Balance of Zhuhai, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of the Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University Macao University of Science and Technology, Zhuhai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaowen Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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Futami S, Miwa T. Comprehensive Equilibrium Function Tests for an Accurate Diagnosis in Vertigo: A Retrospective Analysis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2450. [PMID: 38730980 PMCID: PMC11084401 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: An accurate diagnosis of vertigo is crucial in patient care. Traditional balance function tests often fail to offer independent, conclusive diagnoses. This study aimed to bridge the gap between traditional diagnostic approaches and the evolving landscape of automated diagnostic tools, laying the groundwork for advancements in vertigo care. Methods: A cohort of 1400 individuals with dizziness underwent a battery of equilibrium function tests, and diagnoses were established based on the criteria by the Japanese Society for Vertigo and Equilibrium. A multivariate analysis identified the key diagnostic factors for various vestibudata nlar disorders, including Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Results: This study underscored the complexity of diagnosing certain disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, where clinical symptoms play a crucial role. Additionally, it highlighted the utility of specific physical balance function tests for differentiating central diseases. These findings bolster the reliability of established diagnostic tools, such as audiometry for Meniere's disease and spontaneous nystagmus for vestibular neuritis. Conclusions: This study concluded that a multifaceted approach integrating multiple diagnostic indicators is crucial for accurate clinical decisions in vestibular disorders. Future studies should incorporate novel tests, quantitative assessments, and advanced technologies to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of vestibular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumpei Futami
- Department of Otolaryngology, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan;
| | - Toru Miwa
- Department of Otolaryngology, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan;
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate of School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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van der Mescht L, le Roux T, Mahomed-Asmail F, De Sousa KC, Swanepoel DW. Remote Monitoring of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Digits-in-Noise Self-Testing. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:923-935. [PMID: 35738000 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-21-00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the uptake and scope of telehealth. This study determined the accuracy and reliability of a smartphone digits-in-noise (DIN) test when conducted by adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients in a simulated home environment compared with a clinic setup. Perceptions of remote monitoring using speech-in-noise (SIN) testing were also explored. METHOD Thirty-three adult CI recipients between 18 and 78 years of age (M = 46.7, SD = ±20.4) conducted the DIN test in a simulated home environment and a clinic setup. Test-retest reliability across the two environments and comparisons between test settings were evaluated. A survey explored the perceptions of adult CI recipients regarding remote monitoring and use of the DIN self-test. RESULTS Mean-aided speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in the clinic and simulated home environment test conditions and clinic and simulated home environment retest conditions did not differ significantly. Mean test-retest SRTs in the clinic and simulated home environment were significantly different (p < .05). High intraclass correlation coefficient and low standard error of measurement scores reflected good and excellent reliability between test-retest measures and between clinic and simulated home environment measures. Most participants were positive about the possibility of using the DIN test at home to self-assess speech perception, although some test adjustments such as including training items and a less adverse starting signal-to-noise ratio may be required. CONCLUSION Adult CI recipients can use the smartphone DIN test to self-assess aided SIN performance in a home environment with accuracy and reliability relatively similar to clinic testing. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20044418.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize van der Mescht
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Talita le Roux
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karina C De Sousa
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and University of Pretoria, South Africa.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
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Teece K, Oeding K, Nelson P. Adults With Hearing Loss Demonstrate Resilience During COVID-19 Pandemic: Applications for Postpandemic Services. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:392-402. [PMID: 35503964 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-21-00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unique challenges for persons with hearing loss. There is a unique concern that adults with hearing loss may be more susceptible to isolation than adults with normal hearing. PURPOSE This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of older adults with and without hearing loss. RESEARCH DESIGN This was a longitudinal study with pre-COVID-19 and six mid-COVID-19 interviews, spanning from March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2020. STUDY SAMPLE The study enrolled 12 participants with hearing aids and 12 with cochlear implants aged 55-80 years that were compared to 18 age-matched adults with hearing within normal limits. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Surveys were completed to evaluate the impact of time alone and loneliness, social contact, depression, and the impact of masks on hearing. A mixed-effects statistical model was used to analyze each question. RESULTS Participants commonly reported stress and anxiety during monthly video calls. Adults with varying degrees of hearing loss reported decreased social interaction and increased stress during the pandemic, similar to the rates observed by participants with healthy hearing. Face coverings were commonly reported to affect the intelligibility of conversational speech. Participants with hearing loss found satisfactory methods for maintaining social connection during the pandemic that they hope will continue once restrictions ease fully. CONCLUSIONS Participants from the hearing loss groups in this study were frustrated by challenges posed by facial masks and were resilient in their ability to cope with COVID-19 and found the use of technology to be helpful. Audiologists are encouraged to use these successful electronic means of connecting with their patients even after restrictions are fully lifted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Teece
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Twin Cities
| | - Kristi Oeding
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Twin Cities
| | - Peggy Nelson
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Twin Cities
- Center for Applied and Translational Sensory Science, University of Minneapolis, Twin Cities
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Lostelius PV, Mattebo M, Söderlund A, Revenäs Å, Thors Adolfsson E. An electronic patient-reported outcome created based on my needs is worth using: an explorative qualitative study investigating young people's opinions for a health assessment tool. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2022; 6:29. [PMID: 35347495 PMCID: PMC8960482 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-022-00436-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people in different healthcare settings are positive about using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs), which are meant to increase the effectiveness and safety of interventions from the patient's perspective. Sweden offers free healthcare to young people aged 12-25 years at 275 youth health clinics (YHCs), whose goals are to strengthen young people and promote sexual, physical, and mental health. YHCs need effective ways to identify the overall picture of young people's health and health-related problems. To our knowledge, there is no ePRO for YHCs that provides an overview of young people's health from several health perspectives. The aim of this study was to explore young people's view on content and design of an ePRO to provide an overview of their health and health related problems when visiting a YHC, and their opinion on what healthcare needs to consider when using the ePRO. This was an explorative qualitative study. The participants were included from five YHCs, in different socioeconomic areas in central Sweden. Fifteen participants were included: 10 girls, three boys, and two non-binary participants with an age range of 16-22 years. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and individual interviews, and inductive content analysis was performed. RESULTS One main theme, "ePRO created based on my needs is worth using" and two sub-themes, "Appealing content and design" and "Trusting healthcare", emerged. The participants wanted that an ePRO should include overall questions about mental-, physical-, and sexual health and social support. Participants also believed the ePRO must disclose the risks of self-harm or suicide. The participants noted the importance of emotional and digital security when using the ePRO and having a confidential conversation with a healthcare provider. To share health information means to trust to gain health. CONCLUSIONS The study participants' views on content and design can form the basis for designing an ePRO for young people. Their thoughts on safety and treatment in healthcare can be considered in the development process. This study is the starting point for developing an ePRO for young people at YHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra V Lostelius
- Clinic for Pain Rehabilitation Västmanland, Region Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden. .,School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden. .,Centre for Clinical Research Region, Hospital of Västmanland Västerås, Region Västmanland - Uppsala University, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden.
| | - Magdalena Mattebo
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Anne Söderlund
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Åsa Revenäs
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research Region, Hospital of Västmanland Västerås, Region Västmanland - Uppsala University, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden.,Orthopedic Clinic, Region Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Eva Thors Adolfsson
- Centre for Clinical Research Region, Hospital of Västmanland Västerås, Region Västmanland - Uppsala University, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden
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