Hearing Aid Problems in Elderly Populations

Abstract

The use of hearing aid (HA) may improve the hearing performance and ease the perceived negative consequences of hearing difficulties in elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the problems experienced by elderly individuals with HA and to investigate the factors that could increase the use of HA. A total of 122 female and 127 male patients with a mean age of 76.79 ± 6.91 years who were recommended HA were evaluated. The following details were taken from the patients: age, gender, duration of hearing complaint, whether or not they received HA, number of family members, number of hours they used HA in a day, type of device, number of ears with HA, educational status, whether they continued to work, whether they were tested before taking the device, the reasons for not taking HA, and the reasons that reduce their use of HA. A total of 18 patients did not receive HA for the following reasons: 9 considered HA too expensive, 8 thought it would be difficult to use HA, and 1 did not like it because of its appearance. No significant difference was found in the patients’ daily HA use duration, age, sex, number of immediate family members, education level, type of device, test before taking the device, and use of HA in single ear or bilateral ears. There was a significant difference in the daily HA use duration and whether the patients continued to work. We need to help reduce the problems associated with the use of HA to help older individuals have a more active role in society and help them in their health problems.