Hearing-aid use and its determinants in the UK National Health Service: A cross-sectional study at the Royal Surrey County Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of and factors contributing to non-adherence to hearing-aid use in the UK National Health Service. Design: A cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey. Study sample: A questionnaire, including the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, was sent to all patients fitted with hearing aids at the Royal Surrey County Hospital between 2011 and 2012 (N = 1874). A total of 1023 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate of 55%). Results: A total of 29% of responders did not use their hearing aids on a regular basis (i.e. used them less than four hours per day). Non-regular use was more prevalent in new (40%) than in existing patients (11%). Factors that reduced the risk of non-regular use included bilateral versus unilateral amplification, and moderate or severe hearing loss in the better ear. 16% of responders fitted with bilateral amplification used only one of their hearing aids. Conclusions: The level of non-regular use of hearing aids in NHS found in this study was comparable to those for other countries. Additional support might be needed for patients at a higher risk of non-regular use.

Key Words::

• Hearing aids
• hearing-aid use
• satisfaction
• survey

Acknowledgements

We thank Nicki Thorogood, Karen Lammaing, and Parisa Eghbal for their support in this study. This report is independent research arising from a Doctoral Research Fellowship (DRF-2011-04-001) supported by the National Institute for Health Research and the Royal Surrey County Hospital. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research, or the Department of Health.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.