The Effects of Type of Fitting, Technology and User Experience on Satisfaction with Hearing Aid Assessed by Persian Version of the MarkeTrak Survey

Abstract

Background and Aim: Satisfaction with hearing  aids is very important  for continued  use of the device and improving hearing status and quality of lives of people with hearing loss. MarkeTrak survey has been used for many years to track factors influencing satisfaction with hearing aids. This study aimed to make a valid and reliable Persian version of the MarkeTrak survey to measure the effects of type of fitting, experience and technology on hearing aid satisfaction. Methods: After confirmation of validity and reliability of the Persian MarkeTrak, 71 people participate in the study. The effects of bilateral versus unilateral hearing aids (type of fitting), experience and wireless versus non-wireless technology were tested. Results: Bilateral hearing aid users has significantly higher satisfaction rate than unilateral users (65.6±7.2 versus 59.9±17.7). The effects of experience with using hearing aids and type of technology did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Higher satisfaction with bilateral hearing aids might result from better sound quality in diverse listening conditions, spatial hearing and directionality with two ears rather than one ear. Keywords: Persian MarkeTrak; bilateral hearing aids; wireless; experience; satisfaction