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Lough M, Whiston H, Saunders GH. The impact of using the Ida "My Hearing Explained" tool on audiologists' language and patient understanding of hearing test results: a comparison with standard audiogram explanations. Int J Audiol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38824465 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2358432] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore the impact of Ida's "My Hearing Explained" (MHE) tool on audiologists' language and patients' understanding/interpretation of hearing test results. DESIGN Audiologists were video-recorded in two sequential conditions: 1) giving standard audiogram explanations to 13 patients and, 2) following discretionary self-training, giving explanations using the MHE tool (nine patients). Outcomes of interest were audiologists' language complexity, use of jargon, and audiologist-patient interactivity. Semi-structured patient interviews, conducted 1-7 days after appointments, were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Patient recall was verified. STUDY SAMPLE Four audiologists from one United Kingdom audiology service, and 22 patients (mean age 63.5 yrs) participated. RESULTS In comparison to standard audiogram explanations, audiologists' language was simpler and audiologist-patient interactivity greater with the MHE tool. Interview data analysis revealed differences between explanation types within the themes of "Understanding" and "Interpretation." 54% (standard audiogram) and 22% (MHE tool) of patients expressed a desire for takeaway information. 31% (standard audiogram) and 67% (MHE tool) of patients reported their explanation helped them relay their results to others. Four patients (one receiving the MHE tool) incorrectly recalled information, suggesting inadequate understanding in these cases. CONCLUSIONS The MHE tool has potential for improving the accessibility and comprehensibility of hearing test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Lough
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Whiston
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Gabrielle H Saunders
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
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Jorbonyan A, Abolfathi Momtaz Y, Foroughan M, Mehrkian S. Determinants of Continuance Intention to Use Hearing Aids among Older Adults in Tehran (Iran). Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:487. [PMID: 38391862 PMCID: PMC10888125 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040487] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study seeks to evaluate the factors determining the continuance intention to use hearing aids in older adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2021. The technology post-acceptance model (PAM) framework was used to develop a model for the continuance intention to use hearing aids. In total, 300 hearing aid users aged ≥60 years, who were selected via a randomized stratified sampling method, completed the self-evaluation tools used in this study. With a mean age of 71.38 years (SD = 8), the participants comprised 50.7% and 49.3% females and males, respectively. The path analysis results showed that the continuance intention to use hearing aids was positively and significantly influenced by the actual use of hearing aids, the perceived benefits, satisfaction, confirmation, self-efficacy in using hearing aids, an extraverted personality trait, self-perceived hearing handicap, and perceived social support. The main results of the present study can help hearing care providers develop a better understanding of older users to design effective rehabilitation strategies and ensure their continuance intention to use hearing aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolhakim Jorbonyan
- Department of Geriatric Health, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Yadollah Abolfathi Momtaz
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 19857-13871, Iran
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mahshid Foroughan
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 19857-13871, Iran
| | - Saeideh Mehrkian
- Department of Audiology, The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 19857-13871, Iran
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Mothemela B, Manchaiah V, Mahomed-Asmail F, Graham M, Swanepoel DW. Factors Associated With Hearing Aid Outcomes Including Social Networks, Self-Reported Mental Health, and Service Delivery Models. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:823-831. [PMID: 37669616 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-22-00206] [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: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to identify and describe factors that influence hearing aid outcomes including social networks, self-reported mental health, and service delivery models. METHOD A prospective cross-sectional online survey was sent to hearing aid users recruited through an online platform (http://www.hearingtracker.com) between October and November 2021. The survey contained questions on patient demographics, audiological variables, general health and social factors, and self-reported hearing aid outcomes using the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA). Regression models evaluated potential contributing factors of hearing aid outcomes on the IOI-HA. RESULTS Three hundred ninety-eight hearing aid users completed the survey with an average age of 66.6 (SD = 13.0) years, of which 59.3% were male. Positive contributing factors of hearing aid outcomes (IOI-HA total score) were social network of people with hearing loss with hearing aids (p < .010; Exp[B] = 0.03, 95% CI [0.01, 0.1]), self-reported mental health (p < .05; Exp[B] = 0.6, 95% CI [0.01, 1.2]), work situation (p < .001; Exp[B] = 1.9, 95% CI [0.7, 2.8]), quality of life (p < .005; Exp[B] = 1.2, 95% CI [0.3, 1.1]), and self-reported hearing difficulty (p < .02; Exp[B] = 0.8, 95% CI [0.2, 1.5]). Negative contributing factors of hearing aid outcomes included social networks of people with hearing loss without hearing aids (p < .001; Exp[B] = -0.1, 95% CI [-0.2, -0.2]) and service delivery model of private or university clinic compared to big-box retailers (p < .001; Exp[B] = -1.6, 95% CI [-2.7, -0.7]). CONCLUSIONS Novel factors including social network of persons with hearing loss who use hearing aids, self-reported mental health, service delivery model, and work situation are significant contributors to hearing aid outcomes. These newly identified factors can inform public hearing health promotion and individualized audiological care to optimize hearing aid outcomes. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24060486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bopane Mothemela
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab (a collaborative initiative between the University of Colorado School of Medicine and University of Pretoria), Aurora, CO
| | - 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 School of Medicine and University of Pretoria), Aurora, CO
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance Clinic, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab (a collaborative initiative between the University of Colorado School of Medicine and University of Pretoria), Aurora, CO
| | - Marien Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 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 School of Medicine and University of Pretoria), Aurora, CO
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
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Mothemela B, Manchaiah V, Mahomed-Asmail F, Knoetze M, Swanepoel DW. Factors influencing hearing aid use, benefit and satisfaction in adults: a systematic review of the past decade. Int J Audiol 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37962300 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2272562] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bopane Mothemela
- 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, Colorado, USA
| | - 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, Colorado, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- 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, Colorado, USA
| | - Megan Knoetze
- 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, Colorado, USA
| | - 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, Colorado, USA
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
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La Scala JD, Zraick RI, Rosa-Lugo LI, Cosby JL. Readability of Cochlear Implant Brochures: A Potential Factor in Parent Decision Making. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:1133-1142. [PMID: 36054847 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-22-00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the ease of reading cochlear implant (CI) brochures provided to parents and caregivers who are making informed decisions about the management of their child's hearing loss. METHOD CI brochures from three Food and Drug Administration-approved CI manufacturers were examined: Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas, and MED-EL. Reading grade levels and ease of reading were analyzed using a commercially available computer software program, applying six readability formulas commonly used to examine hearing-related patient education materials (PEMs). RESULTS The readability of the CI brochures exceeds the fifth- to sixth-grade reading-level guidelines. The CI brochures may be difficult for the average English-speaking adult to read with ease and requires at least a 10th-grade comparable reading level. CONCLUSIONS Despite health literacy initiatives, audiology-focused PEMs continue to be created without full consideration of the burden for the reader. Authors of PEMs should consider the average reading level of the reader as a variable potentially influencing the decision-making process. Likewise, clinicians should consider the average reading level needed to understand PEMs when presenting information and resources to parents and caregivers for informed and shared decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D La Scala
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando
| | - Richard I Zraick
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando
| | - Linda I Rosa-Lugo
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando
| | - Janel L Cosby
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando
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Hispanic/Latino Perspectives on Hearing Loss and Hearing Healthcare: Focus Group Results. Ear Hear 2022; 43:1620-1634. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cowan T, Paroby C, Leibold LJ, Buss E, Rodriguez B, Calandruccio L. Masked-Speech Recognition for Linguistically Diverse Populations: A Focused Review and Suggestions for the Future. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:3195-3216. [PMID: 35917458 PMCID: PMC9911100 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Twenty years ago, von Hapsburg and Peña (2002) wrote a tutorial that reviewed the literature on speech audiometry and bilingualism and outlined valuable recommendations to increase the rigor of the evidence base. This review article returns to that seminal tutorial to reflect on how that advice was applied over the last 20 years and to provide updated recommendations for future inquiry. METHOD We conducted a focused review of the literature on masked-speech recognition for bilingual children and adults. First, we evaluated how studies published since 2002 described bilingual participants. Second, we reviewed the literature on native language masked-speech recognition. Third, we discussed theoretically motivated experimental work. Fourth, we outlined how recent research in bilingual speech recognition can be used to improve clinical practice. RESULTS Research conducted since 2002 commonly describes bilingual samples in terms of their language status, competency, and history. Bilingualism was not consistently associated with poor masked-speech recognition. For example, bilinguals who were exposed to English prior to age 7 years and who were dominant in English performed comparably to monolinguals for masked-sentence recognition tasks. To the best of our knowledge, there are no data to document the masked-speech recognition ability of these bilinguals in their other language compared to a second monolingual group, which is an important next step. Nonetheless, individual factors that commonly vary within bilingual populations were associated with masked-speech recognition and included language dominance, competency, and age of acquisition. We identified methodological issues in sampling strategies that could, in part, be responsible for inconsistent findings between studies. For instance, disparities in socioeconomic status (SES) between recruited bilingual and monolingual groups could cause confounding bias within the research design. CONCLUSIONS Dimensions of the bilingual linguistic profile should be considered in clinical practice to inform counseling and (re)habilitation strategies since susceptibility to masking is elevated in at least one language for most bilinguals. Future research should continue to report language status, competency, and history but should also report language stability and demand for use data. In addition, potential confounds (e.g., SES, educational attainment) when making group comparisons between monolinguals and bilinguals must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Cowan
- Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE
| | - Caroline Paroby
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Lori J. Leibold
- Center for Hearing Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE
| | - Emily Buss
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Barbara Rodriguez
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | - Lauren Calandruccio
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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Health Literacy and Exercise to Treat Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A National Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148711. [PMID: 35886562 PMCID: PMC9323569 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a major challenge facing modern society and has attracted global attention. Studies have provided some initial evidence that health literacy plays a role in determining frailty; however, most of these studies have used small convenience samples of individuals recruited from geographically limited areas, thus limiting the generalizability of their findings. The present study explored the relationships among health literacy, exercise, and frailty in Taiwanese older adults by using the data of a national population-based survey. We retrieved data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, a population-based survey. We gathered the 2015 data on the age, sex, education level, marital status, exercise habits, and activities of daily living (ADLs) of each eligible respondent. We evaluated the respondents’ health literacy by using a nine-item health literacy scale and categorized their health literacy level as low, medium, or high. Frailty was diagnosed according the Fried criteria. Our final sample consisted of 7702 community-dwelling older adults (3630 men and 4072 adults). Of these, 25.3% had low health literacy. The proportion of respondents who had two or more disabilities in terms of ADLs or instrumental ADLs was higher among the women (36.4% and 12.6%, respectively), and regular exercise was more common among the men (19.6%). Frailty was more prevalent among the women; the prevalence of frailty among the male and female respondents was 4.5% and 8.1%, respectively. High health literacy and regular exercise were protective factors for frailty. According to our results, poor health literacy is a risk factor for prefrailty and frailty, and regular exercise is significantly negatively associated with prefrailty and frailty. Additional studies are necessary to define practical strategies for reducing the risks of disability and death for older adults with low health literacy who do not exercise regularly, thereby improving their quality of life.
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Ou H. A Pilot Study to Develop the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Audiology. Health Lit Res Pract 2022; 6:e88-e95. [PMID: 35522858 PMCID: PMC9126057 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20220418-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Health literacy describes an individuals' ability to maximize their potential in health care, including one's ability to understand information needed to make informed health decisions. A variety of general and condition-specific health literacy assessment tools have been created to help health professionals assess patients' health literacy skills and tailor the need for health care communication or education; however, there are no such tools available for the audiology field. Objective: The purpose of the study was to develop an objective reading recognition audiology-related health literacy assessment tool, the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Audiology (REALA). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study (N = 200). The initial version of the REALA contained 99 words specifically related to audiology. The final version, revised to have improved clinical utility, contained a total of 48 words that were selected based on item difficulty, item discrimination score, and point-biserial index using classical item analysis. Key Results: The total pass rate for the final version of the 48-word REALA was 0.72 (standard deviation = 0.45) and the Cronbach coefficient alpha was 0.93. Once the comprehension component is added to the tool, the REALA can be a valuable health literacy assessment tool that health professionals use to evaluate patients' audiology-related health literacy. Conclusion: Once the comprehension component is added to the tool, the REALA can be a valuable health literacy assessment tool that health professionals use to evaluate patients' audiology-related health literacy. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2022;6(2):e88–e95.] Plain Language Summary: A health literacy assessment tool, the REALA, was developed in the study. The final version of REALA contained 48 words relative to hearing healthcare. The results suggested that REALA can help health professionals assess patients' hearing related health literacy and tailor the need for hearing health care communication or education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Ou
- Address correspondence to Hua Ou, MD, PhD, National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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Impact of Hearing Aid Use on Falls and Falls-Related Injury: Results From the Health and Retirement Study. Ear Hear 2021; 43:487-494. [PMID: 34334680 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Falls are considered a significant public health issue and falls risk increases with age. There are many age-related physiologic changes that occur that increase postural instability and the risk for falls (i.e., age-related sensory declines in vision, vestibular, somatosensation, age-related orthopedic changes, and polypharmacy). Hearing loss has been shown to be an independent risk factor for falls. The primary objective of this study was to determine if hearing aid use modified (reduced) the association between self-reported hearing status and falls or falls-related injury. We hypothesized that hearing aid use would reduce the impact of hearing loss on the odds of falling and falls-related injury. If hearing aid users have reduced odds of falling compared with nonhearing aid users, then that would have an important implications for falls prevention healthcare. DESIGN Data were drawn from the 2004-2016 surveys of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). A generalized estimating equation approach was used to fit logistic regression models to determine whether or not hearing aid use modifies the odds of falling and falls injury associated with self-reported hearing status. RESULTS A total of 17,923 individuals were grouped based on a self-reported history of falls. Self-reported hearing status was significantly associated with odds of falling and with falls-related injury when controlling for demographic factors and important health characteristics. Hearing aid use was included as an interaction in the fully-adjusted models and the results showed that there was no difference in the association between hearing aid users and nonusers for either falls or falls-related injury. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show that when examining self-reported hearing status in a longitudinal sample, hearing aid use does not impact the association between self-reported hearing status and the odds of falls or falls-related injury.
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Humes LE. Differences Between Older Adults Who Do and Do Not Try Hearing Aids and Between Those Who Keep and Return the Devices. Trends Hear 2021; 25:23312165211014329. [PMID: 34057370 PMCID: PMC8182629 DOI: 10.1177/23312165211014329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this study was on the differences between older adults who complied with a clinical recommendation for hearing-aid acquisition (adherents; N = 105) and those who did not (nonadherents; N = 34) among a group of research volunteers from the community. All participants were first-time hearing-aid users. Differences between adherents and nonadherents were examined across several domains, including demographic variables, audiometric measures, measures of affect and personality, cognitive variables, hearing-aid expectations, and the perceived hearing difficulties of the older adults and their adjustments to those difficulties. It was found that the adherents differed significantly (p < .05) from the nonadherents primarily in their perceived difficulties and reactions to them as well as their expectations for hearing aids. Importantly, the pattern of differences between the adherents and nonadherents was primarily confined to measures that could potentially be shaped by appropriate counseling and education of the older adult. In a secondary analysis, among the 105 adherents, a small group (N = 21) returned their hearing aids for credit with 15 of them completing the outcome measures at the end of a 1-month trial period. When comparisons were made between the adherents who kept their hearing aids (N = 84) and those who returned them, the primary differences between these two groups of adherents were in the poorer aided outcomes obtained by those who returned their devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry E Humes
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
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Saunders GH, Grush L, Vachhani J, Echt KV, Griest S, Lewis MS. Heterogeneity in Vison, Hand Function, Cognition, and Health Literacy Among Older Veterans: Impacts, Outcomes, and Clinical Recommendations for First-Time Hearing Aid Users. J Am Acad Audiol 2021; 32:355-365. [PMID: 34062607 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related changes (both normal and pathological), and health literacy are relevant to audiological practice. Changes associated with the musculoskeletal, vascular, and nervous systems drive manual, visual, and cognitive function. These in turn affect the capabilities required for effective hearing aid (HA) skill acquisition, use, and management. Meanwhile, health literacy influences the ability to gain access to, understand, and use information, which is important for promoting and maintaining HA use and management. Understanding the interindividual variability of these variables can help audiologists characterize those individuals who might have suboptimal HA outcomes. This knowledge can then inform better clinical practices and guide implementation of processes to improve care quality and outcomes. PURPOSE The aim of the study is to assess the variation in manual, visual, and cognitive function, and health literacy, among community-dwelling older individuals, and to determine whether and which of these variables are associated with reported HA outcome and/or the knowledge and skill to manage HAs. RESEARCH DESIGN Data presented here were collected as part of an efficacy trial of four variants of HA orientation. The data were collected at baseline (prior to HA fitting) and after 4 to 8 weeks of HA use. STUDY SAMPLE The study sample consists of 265 U.S. Veterans aged 51 to 87 years with no previous HA experience who were scheduled to receive their first pair of HAs from the Veterans Administration. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We assessed baseline measures of hand function, vision, cognition, and health literacy just prior to participants receiving their first pair of HAs. HA management skills and knowledge, and HA outcome were measured after 4 to 8 weeks of HA use using the Hearing Aid Skills and Knowledge (HASK) and International Outcomes Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), respectively. Data collected here was compared with published norms to assess variation in baseline measures. Associations between baseline performance and outcomes data were examined using t-tests comparing participants who performed at or above age-based norms with those who performed below age-based norms. RESULTS Participants' performance on the baseline measures was highly variable, with the proportions of individuals performing below norms varying by test measure. When combining data across the nine baseline measures, approximately 10% of participants performed below published norms on five or more measures, and 85% performed below norms on at least one measure. Poor manual dexterity, ability to learn a new task, and ability to draw inferences from spoken information negatively impacted HA management and outcome. CONCLUSION There was a considerable heterogeneity among a community-dwelling sample of first time HA users in terms of sensory, cognitive, and motor function. Clinicians should consider modifying their clinical practice to account for such heterogeneity and best support their patients in adapting to new HAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle H Saunders
- VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RR&D), National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon.,Manchester Center for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD), School of Social Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Grush
- VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RR&D), National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jay Vachhani
- VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RR&D), National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
| | - Katharina V Echt
- Department of Veterans Affairs Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Griest
- VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RR&D), National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - M Samantha Lewis
- VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RR&D), National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.,School of Audiology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon
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Tran ED, Vaisbuch Y, Qian ZJ, Fitzgerald MB, Megwalu UC. Health Literacy and Hearing Healthcare Use. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:E1688-E1694. [PMID: 33305829 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether health literacy is associated with: 1) degree of hearing loss at initial presentation for audiogram and 2) hearing aid adoption for hearing aid candidates. METHODS We identified 1376 patients who underwent audiometric testing and completed a brief health literacy questionnaire at our institution. The association between health literacy and degree of hearing loss at initial presentation was examined using linear regression, adjusted for age, gender, marital status, education level, race, language, employment status, and insurance coverage. The association between health literacy and hearing aid adoption was examined in the subset of patients identified as hearing aid candidates using logistic regression, adjusted for demographic factors and insurance coverage. RESULTS Patients with inadequate health literacy were more likely to present with more severe hearing loss (adjusted mean pure-tone average [PTA] difference, 5.38 dB, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.75 to 8.01). For hearing aid candidates (n = 472 [41.6%]), health literacy was not associated with hearing aid adoption rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.76). Hearing aid coverage through Medicaid (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.37), and moderate (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.69) or moderate-severe (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.16) hearing loss were associated with hearing aid adoption. CONCLUSIONS In our population, patients with low health literacy are more likely to present with higher degrees of hearing loss, but no less likely to obtain hearing aids compared with patients with adequate health literacy. Hearing loss severity and hearing aid coverage by insurance appear to be the main drivers of hearing aid adoption. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1688-E1694, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma D Tran
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A
| | - Yona Vaisbuch
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A
| | - Z Jason Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A
| | - Matthew B Fitzgerald
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A
| | - Uchechukwu C Megwalu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A
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Ratanjee-Vanmali H, Swanepoel DW, Laplante-Lévesque A. Digital Proficiency Is Not a Significant Barrier for Taking Up Hearing Services With a Hybrid Online and Face-to-Face Model. Am J Audiol 2020; 29:785-808. [PMID: 32997504 DOI: 10.1044/2020_aja-19-00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the effect of self-perceived digital proficiency on the uptake of hearing services through a hybrid online and face-to-face hearing health care model. Method Adults were recruited via online methods to complete an online hearing screening test within the greater Durban area in South Africa. On submission of contact details after failing the screening, contact was made via telephone to assess readiness for further hearing care. If motivated and willing to continue, a face-to-face appointment for diagnostic hearing testing was confirmed, at which time an e-mail with an online mobile device and computer proficiency survey was sent. Hearing services were offered using combined online and face-to-face methods. Results Within 2 years (June 2017 to June 2019), 1,259 people from the target location submitted their details for the clinic audiologist to contact, of whom 931 participants (73.95%) failed the screening test. Of these participants, 5.69% (53/931, 57.41% men) attended a face-to-face diagnostic hearing evaluation. Mobile device and computer proficiency scores were not a predictor of acquiring hearing services. Age was the only significant predictor (p = .018) for those continuing with hearing care. Patients who continued with hearing care by acquiring hearing aids and support services were older (M = 73.63 years, SD = 11.62) and on average aware of their hearing loss for a longer time (M = 14.71 years, SD = 15.77), as compared to those who discontinued hearing health care who were younger (M = 59.21 years, SD = 14.42) and on average aware of their hearing loss for a shorter time (M = 6.37 years, SD = 9.26). Conclusions Digital proficiency is not a predictor for acquiring hearing services through a hybrid online and face-to-face hearing care model. Hybrid services could allow professionals to assist patients in a combination of face-to-face and online services tailored to meet individual needs, including convenience and personalized care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
| | - Ariane Laplante-Lévesque
- Oticon Medical A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden
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