The Challenges Encountered by Conventional Hearing Aid and/or Cochlear Implant Users During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress, quality of life, and access to hearing health services experienced by adults and children who use hearing aid and/or cochlear implant and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Perceived Stress Scale, Personal Wellbeing Index, and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaires were applied online to 30 adults with hearing loss and parents of 61 children with hearing loss. Also, a survey was conducted to acquire more about the demographics of people who use cochlear implants and conventional hearing aids, as well as the difficulties they encountered during the COVID-19 period. Results: Although child user families experienced more problems than adults during the COVID-19 period, the stress levels of child user families were higher than that of adult user families ( p = .05). Even though there was no statistically significant difference, the families of pediatric users had lower quality of life than adult users. Conclusions: The stress/anxiety problems that arise as a result of this are coming to the forefront of both patients and their relatives. The findings indicate that creative strategies should be developed to give individuals with hearing loss efficient access to hearing health services.