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Abstract
Objective: To assess (1) the feasibility of incorporating the Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools into a UK audiology service, (2) the potential benefits of motivational engagement in first-time hearing aid users, and (3) predictors of hearing aid and general health outcome measures.
Design: A feasibility study using a single-centre, prospective, quasi-randomized controlled design with two arms. The Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools formed the basis for motivational engagement. Study sample: First-time hearing aid users were recruited at the initial hearing assessment appointment. The intervention arm underwent motivational engagement (M+, n = 32), and a control arm (M-, n = 36) received standard care only. Results: The M+ group showed greater self-efficacy, reduced anxiety, and greater engagement with the audiologist at assessment and fitting appointments. However, there were no significant between-group differences 10-weeks post-fitting. Hearing-related communication scores predicted anxiety, and social isolation scores predicted depression for the M+ group. Readiness to address hearing difficulties predicted hearing aid outcomes for the M- group. Hearing sensitivity was not a predictor of outcomes. Conclusions: There were some positive results from motivational engagement early in the patient journey. Future research should consider using qualitative methods to explore whether there are longer-term benefits of motivational engagement in hearing aid users.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the study audiologists Emily Balmer, Zoe Slinger, Joanne Sisson, and Anna Lindstrand, in particular Emily who was so engaged in the motivational process. We also thank the Nottingham Audiology Service administrative staff and Will Brassington (Head of Audiology). Our grateful thanks to Hans Henrik Philipsen for his expertise and inspiration, and for coaching the team on the principles of the Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools. Finally, we would like to thank Holly Thomas for her help coordinating the study, as well as Sandra Smith and Laura Daley for their help in the data management.
Declaration of interest
This paper presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit Programme. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The authors report no conflict of interest.