Improving self-efficacy for hearing aid self-management: the early delivery of a multimedia-based education programme in first-time hearing aid users

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the effect of a multimedia educational programme for first-time hearing aid users (C2Hear reusable learning objects, RLOs), delivered at the hearing assessment on (1) self-efficacy for hearing aids (primary outcome), and (2) readiness for hearing rehabilitation and hearing aid knowledge (secondary outcomes).

Design: A single-centre, prospective, pre-post, randomised controlled trial with two arms. The intervention group (n = 24) received RLOs, and the waitlist control group (n = 23) received a printed booklet on hearing aids. Outcomes were measured at the hearing assessment and hearing aid fitting appointments.

Study sample: Fifty-six adult first-time hearing aid users attending a publicly funded audiology service.

Results: The RLO group showed significantly greater improvement in self-efficacy and knowledge of hearing aids than the control group. A borderline effect of readiness for hearing rehabilitation was also found. Potential links between hearing aid self-efficacy and knowledge were identified.

Conclusions: Early delivery of the RLOs results in greater hearing aid self-efficacy and knowledge at the hearing aid fitting appointment, with indications that RLOs increase readiness for hearing rehabilitation. As knowledge, self-efficacy and readiness are cornerstones of self-management, the C2Hear RLOs can prime first-time hearing aid users to better self-manage their hearing aids before they receive them.

Keywords:

• Hearing self-management
• self-efficacy
• knowledge
• ehealth
• readiness
• hearing aids
• hearing loss

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Emma Wilson, Aston University for involvement in study planning and delivery. Special thanks to David Maidment, Karen Willis, Helen Bastow and Robert Frost for their advice and involvement in developing and supporting the project. Audiologists at Nottingham Audiology Services are thanked for support in signposting to the study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. This paper presents independent research supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the UK Department of Health.