Holte APVD, Krech L, Bock M, Seidel M, Ricke M, Welkoborsky HJ. HEARINGtogether study: barriers to hearing aid acquisition and use in German nursing homes - The residents' perspective.
Int J Audiol 2025:1-11. [PMID:
40340693 DOI:
10.1080/14992027.2025.2497928]
[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: 09/22/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study investigates barriers to hearing aid acquisition and usage in nursing homes from the residents' perspective.
DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE
85 residents (mean age 83.8 years) were recruited from four nursing homes. Residents underwent pure tone and speech audiograms, completed the Nursing Home Hearing Index (NHHI), and a questionnaire on hearing aids.
RESULTS
25 residents had untreated severe hearing loss (29.4%), but many were reluctant to pursue rehabilitation (15/25). Those hesitant to adopt hearing aids had less severe hearing loss (55.2 dB vs. 66.0 dB for residents open towards hearing aids), were less aware of their hearing loss, felt less impact in their daily life (NHHI 29.3pts vs. 40.4pts), and held more negative preconceptions towards hearing aids. Among residents that already used hearing aids, problems with practical handling were the predominant barrier to regular use, followed by lack of perceived benefit, and barriers in healthcare access.
CONCLUSIONS
Raising early awareness for hearing loss is important to improve chances for rehabilitation. Educating medical staff in hearing health is crucial to raise awareness for hearing loss, support residents in daily life, and improve adherence to hearing aids. On-site services are essential for nursing homes to facilitate access to healthcare providers.
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