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Galvin K, Tomlin D, Timmer BHB, McNeice Z, Mount N, Gray K, Short CE. Consumer Perspectives for a Future Mobile App to Document Real-World Listening Difficulties: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e47578. [PMID: 39042452 PMCID: PMC11303898 DOI: 10.2196/47578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND By enabling individuals with hearing loss to collect their own hearing data in their personal real-world settings, there is scope to improve clinical care, empower consumers, and support shared clinical decision-making and problem-solving. Clinician support for this approach has been established in a separate study. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore, for consumers with hearing loss, their (1) experiences of listening difficulties, to identify the data an app could usefully collect; (2) preferences regarding the features of mobile apps in general; and (3) opinions on the potential value and desirable features of a yet-to-be designed app for documenting listening difficulties in real-world settings. METHODS A total of 3 focus groups involved 27 adults who self-reported hearing loss. Most were fitted with hearing devices. A facilitator used a topic guide to generate discussion, which was video- and audio-recorded. Verbatim transcriptions were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS Consumers supported the concept of a mobile app that would facilitate the documenting of listening difficulties in real-world settings important to the individual. Consumers shared valuable insights about their listening difficulties, which will help determine the data that should be collected through an app designed to document these challenges. This information included early indicators of hearing loss (eg, mishearing, difficulty communicating in groups and on the phone, and speaking overly loudly) and prompts to seek hearing devices (eg, spousal pressure and the advice or example provided by others, and needing to rely on lipreading or to constantly request others to repeat themselves). It also included the well-known factors that influence listening difficulties (eg, reverberation, background noise, group conversations) and the impacts and consequences of their difficulties (eg, negative impacts on relationships and employment, social isolation and withdrawal, and negative emotions). Consumers desired a visual-based app that provided options for how data could be collected and how the user could enter data into an app, and which enabled data sharing with a clinician. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide directions for the future co-design and piloting of a prototype mobile app to provide data that are useful for increasing self-awareness of listening difficulties and can be shared with a clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Galvin
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Dani Tomlin
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Barbra H B Timmer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Sonova AG, Staefa, Switzerland
| | - Zoe McNeice
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Nicole Mount
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Kathleen Gray
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Camille E Short
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
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Malmberg M, Hagberg J. Short- and long-term effects of remote synchronous fine-tuning for first-time hearing aid users: a randomised controlled trial. Int J Audiol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39030719 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2378798] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short- and long-term effect of remote synchronous fine-tuning and follow-up visits on hearing-related problems and hearing aid (HA) benefits for first-time HA users. DESIGN A randomised controlled trial. STUDY SAMPLE Patients at public tax-funded HA clinics in Sweden due for aural rehabilitation (AR) were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 33) or a control group (n = 36). Both groups completed the conventional AR process, but the intervention group received synchronous remote fine-tuning of HAs and online follow-up visits. Outcome measures were used before and after intervention, and 6 months and 1 year after intervention. RESULTS Both groups improved hearing-related problems measured with the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults over time, and no significant differences were found between the groups. Such improvements were also found for the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit except for the subscale aversiveness. Both groups decreased the use of HAs in hours/day over time. The intervention group reported significant improvements in activity limitation when measured directly after the intervention, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-ups for first-time HA users did not influence the outcomes of hearing-related problems and HA benefits differently from standard care at our clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milijana Malmberg
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organisation, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Jennie Hagberg
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organisation, Göteborg, Sweden
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Stropahl M, Scherpiet S, Launer S. Viewpoint on the Benefit of Hearing Care on Cognitive Health. Am J Audiol 2024; 33:606-610. [PMID: 38648534 DOI: 10.1044/2024_aja-23-00176] [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: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to provide a viewpoint on the recently published results showing the positive effect hearing intervention can have on mitigating the risk of cognitive decline in elderly individuals with hearing impairment. We intend to trigger a broader discussion on the implications of these results from an implementation science perspective. METHODS Recently published results were reviewed and contextualized. RESULTS In our view, these recent findings provide a great opportunity for hearing care professionals to change the perspective on hearing care being an essential service that contributes not only to managing challenges with audibility but to enabling healthy living and aging. CONCLUSION As exciting as these findings are, from our perspective, they are also a call to action for the audiology field in terms of clinical implementation science. The findings guide us toward a more interprofessional approach in order to develop and test new, more holistic models of hearing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Stropahl
- Audiology & Health Innovation, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Launer
- Audiology & Health Innovation, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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McNeice Z, Tomlin D, Timmer BHB, Short CE, Galvin K. Adults' recollections of discussions with their audiologist: a qualitative study of what was and was not successfully communicated about listening difficulties. Int J Audiol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38739207 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2351033] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Some adults experience challenges in successfully communicating their listening difficulties to their audiologist, and report feeling that they are not always listened to or understood. This project examined adults' recollections of discussions with their audiologist to explore (1) how adults report describing their listening difficulties and (2) information that adults report they do not communicate, or do not communicate successfully, to their audiologist. DESIGN Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed using a template analysis approach. STUDY SAMPLE Fifteen adults who self-report listening difficulties, and who had previously consulted an audiologist. RESULTS Four themes were identified from adults' recollections of how they describe their listening difficulties: (1) situation or context of listening difficulties, (2) behavioural responses, (3) impacts of listening difficulties and (4) contributing factors. Adults report not always successfully communicating (1) emotional concerns and impacts, (2) descriptions of sound quality and (3) descriptions of changed listening experiences. CONCLUSION Results provide insights about the times when adults feel that communication with their audiologist is successful, or unsuccessful. The results are useful for informing interventions to help adults and audiologists communicate more effectively together. To further inform interventions, factors affecting adults' communication should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe McNeice
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dani Tomlin
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barbra H B Timmer
- Centre for Hearing Research (CHEAR), School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Sonova AG, Staefa, Switzerland
| | - Camille E Short
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karyn Galvin
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Sarangi L, Johnson J. Impact of patient attributes on the relationship between hearing handicap and readiness to pursue audiologic rehabilitation. Int J Audiol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38587097 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2332773] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored whether select patient attributes were significant predictors of readiness to pursue hearing aids (HAs) and estimated the impacts of hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE) and emotional states, on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs. DESIGN & STUDY SAMPLE Sixty-two adults with self-reported hearing difficulties and no previous experience with HAs self-reported their hearing handicap, HASE, personality, emotional states in varying contexts, and readiness to pursue HAs. RESULTS Individuals with greater hearing handicap and who had experienced hearing loss for a shorter duration were more ready to pursue HAs. Having higher HASE, more positive emotional states in "Social" situations, higher scores for the Agreeableness, and having lower Conscientiousness personality trait scores also independently predicted readiness. Neither HASE nor reported emotional states had a significant impact on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs. CONCLUSIONS Certain patient characteristics independently motivate people towards or away from pursuing HAs. However, it remains unclear whether targeted modification of these attributes would directly facilitate behaviour change. Future research should further explore these questions to facilitate a more individualised audiologic rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipika Sarangi
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, College of Health Professions, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jani Johnson
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
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Ahmed MAO, Satar YA, Darwish EM, Zanaty EA. Synergistic integration of Multi-View Brain Networks and advanced machine learning techniques for auditory disorders diagnostics. Brain Inform 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38219249 PMCID: PMC10788326 DOI: 10.1186/s40708-023-00214-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the field of audiology, achieving accurate discrimination of auditory impairments remains a formidable challenge. Conditions such as deafness and tinnitus exert a substantial impact on patients' overall quality of life, emphasizing the urgent need for precise and efficient classification methods. This study introduces an innovative approach, utilizing Multi-View Brain Network data acquired from three distinct cohorts: 51 deaf patients, 54 with tinnitus, and 42 normal controls. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording data were meticulously collected, focusing on 70 electrodes attached to an end-to-end key with 10 regions of interest (ROI). This data is synergistically integrated with machine learning algorithms. To tackle the inherently high-dimensional nature of brain connectivity data, principal component analysis (PCA) is employed for feature reduction, enhancing interpretability. The proposed approach undergoes evaluation using ensemble learning techniques, including Random Forest, Extra Trees, Gradient Boosting, and CatBoost. The performance of the proposed models is scrutinized across a comprehensive set of metrics, encompassing cross-validation accuracy (CVA), precision, recall, F1-score, Kappa, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). The proposed models demonstrate statistical significance and effectively diagnose auditory disorders, contributing to early detection and personalized treatment, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Notably, they exhibit reliability and robustness, characterized by high Kappa and MCC values. This research represents a significant advancement in the intersection of audiology, neuroimaging, and machine learning, with transformative implications for clinical practice and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Atta Othman Ahmed
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computers and Information, Luxor University, 85951, Luxor, Egypt.
| | - Yasser Abdel Satar
- Mathematics Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82511, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Eed M Darwish
- Physics Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Medina, 41411, Saudi Arabia
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Elnomery A Zanaty
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computers and Artificial Intelligence, Sohag University, 82511, Sohag, Egypt
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Chauvette L, Pinsonnault-Skvarenina A, Sharp A, Gagné JP, Lacerda ABM, Hotton M. Perceptions of Adults With Hearing Loss About the Communication Difficulties Generated by the COVID-19 Preventive Measures: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:5109-5128. [PMID: 37934877 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of preventive measures that exacerbated communication difficulties for individuals with hearing loss. This study aims to explore the perception of adults with hearing loss about the communication difficulties caused by the preventive measures and about their experiences with communication 1 year after the adoption of these preventive measures. METHOD Individual semistructured interviews were conducted via videoconference with six adults who have hearing loss from the province of Québec, Canada. Data were examined using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The study found that face masks and in-person work (i.e., in opposition to remote work) were important barriers to communication because of hindered lipreading and competing noise in many workplaces. In contrast, preventive measures that allowed visual information transmission (e.g., transparent face masks, fixed plastic partitions) were considered favorable for communication. Communication partners were perceived as playing an important role in communication success with preventive measures: Familiar communication partners improved communication, whereas those with poor attitude or strategies hindered communication. Participants found that videoconferences could provide satisfactory communication but were sometimes hindered by issues such as bad audiovisual quality or too many participants. CONCLUSIONS This study identified reduced access to speech reading and lack of general awareness about hearing issues as key barriers to communication during the pandemic. The decreased communication capabilities were perceived to be most problematic at work and during health appointments, and tended to cause frustration, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and social isolation. Suggestions are outlined for current and future public health measures to better consider the experience of people with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loonan Chauvette
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexis Pinsonnault-Skvarenina
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andréanne Sharp
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Gagné
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Adriana Bender Moreira Lacerda
- École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Hotton
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale, CIUSSS de la Capitale Nationale, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Franks I, Timmer BHB. Reasons for the non-use of hearing aids: perspectives of non-users, past users, and family members. Int J Audiol 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37870394 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2270703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hearing loss in the older adult population is a significant global health issue. Hearing aids can provide an effective means to address hearing loss and improve quality of life. Despite this, the uptake and continued use of hearing aids is low, with non-use of hearing aids representing a significant problem for effective audiological rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for the non-use of hearing aids. DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the reasons given for the non-use of hearing aids by people with hearing loss (n = 332) and family members (n = 313) of people with hearing loss in Australia, the UK, and USA. RESULTS Survey results showed that hearing aid non-users generally cited external factors as reasons for non-use, whereas family members reported non-use due to attitudinal barriers. Past users of hearing aids and family members of past users both identified devices factors as barriers to use. CONCLUSIONS Differences in reasons for non-use may provide further insight for researchers and clinicians and help inform future clinical practice in addressing the low uptake and use of hearing aids by people with hearing loss and the role of family members in audiological rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Franks
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Barbra H B Timmer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Sonova AG, Staefa, Switzerland
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Brice S, Timmer BHB, Barr C. Centering on People: How Hearing Care Professionals Can Adapt to Consumers' Need and Outcomes. Semin Hear 2023; 44:274-286. [PMID: 37484985 PMCID: PMC10361789 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Audiology is experiencing exponential growth in technology, service, and provision options. These advancements give hearing care professionals the opportunity to revise, potentially improve, and adapt to the modern hearing care landscape to better serve the modern consumer. Consumer needs guide care planning and delivery, with the goal of achieving outcomes that are important to both the consumer and the clinician. The changes available to the hearing care industry can also enable consumers' needs to be identified and served in a more holistic and personalized manner than has previously been possible. The purpose of this article is to explain and encourage hearing care professionals to adopt a mindset of doing whatever is reasonable and clinically appropriate to meet the need and desires of the consumer by implementing choice in service, technology, and channel across whichever model of care adopted by a provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Brice
- Australian Institute for Health Service Management, COBE, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Barbra H. B. Timmer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
- Sonova AG, Staefa, Switzerland
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Schulz S, Harzheim L, Hübner C, Lorke M, Jünger S, Buchholz A, Frech S, Steffens M, Woopen C. Patient Preferences for Long-Term Implant Care in Cochlear, Glaucoma and Cardiovascular Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6358. [PMID: 37510590 PMCID: PMC10378795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
In the process of developing and implementing innovative implant technologies the consideration of patient preferences can be beneficial for patients, doctors and developers. Nevertheless, in existing literature, there is still scarce knowledge of patients' perspectives on long-term implant care. In this study, three discrete choice experiments (DCEs) were conducted in the context of cochlear implants (CI, n = 92), glaucoma implants (GI, n = 21) and cardiovascular implants (CVI, n = 23), examining the relative importance of attributes of long-term implant care from the patients' perspective. The participants chose between differently shaped options for implant-related care. The attributes of these care options were generated and selected based on previous literature reviews, group discussions and a diary study with patients. The choice data were analyzed via binary logit regression. In CI-DCE, the technological compatibility of the implant with newer implant models, accessories or devices from other manufacturers was highly valued by participants, whereas in GI-DCE the (in)dependency on glaucoma medication post-implantation had the greatest influence on participants' choice behavior. In CVI-DCE, the attribute with the highest relative importance related to the means of securing long-term treatment success. In all three DCE, shared decision making was relatively important for participants. Our results emphasized the importance of an adequate transfer of technological advancements in implant care for promoting patient benefits, such as the availability of comprehensible, understandable, high-quality information about current developments. Similarly, promoting technological health literacy and further pushing the technological compatibility, durability and safety of implants are directions for future implant development in accordance with patients' preferences. Therefore, the participation of implant wearers in the development process is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schulz
- Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Universitätsstraße 91, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Harzheim
- Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Universitätsstraße 91, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Mariya Lorke
- Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI), 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Saskia Jünger
- Department of Community Health, University of Applied Health Sciences Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Annika Buchholz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie Frech
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, Doberaner Str. 140, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Melanie Steffens
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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