Open AccessAssessment of Hearing Aids Outcomes for Patients With Hearing Loss
Author(s) -
Rattinan Tiravanitchakul,
Wannipha chuchai,
Pongsakorn Lorprasert,
Angkana Lertpoompunya
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
ramathibodi medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2651-0561
DOI - 10.33165/rmj.2019.42.3.169111
Subject(s) - hearing aid , audiology , hearing loss , medicine , hearing problems
Background: Age-related hearing loss is a vital problem that impacts daily living including communication, socialization, and wellbeing. To be fitted with appropriate hearing aids can certainly improve quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to develop a set of indicators that will be used to measure hearing aids outcomes.
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of hearing-aid outcomes and to examine common hearing aid problems.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of 634 patients receiving hearing aids services at Ramathibodi Hospital from July 2015 to June 2016, was performed. Data were collected using a data collection form and were examined by conducting descriptive analysis and paired t tests. Common hearing aid problems were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Of 634 patients receiving hearing aids services, the average hearing thresholds and speech recognition scores among with and without hearing aids, across a range of hearing loss, were statistically significant (P < .01). Patients’ satisfaction on hospital services, and on hearing aids were 4.64 and 4.34, respectively. Common hearing aid problems were communication strategy, hearing aid manipulation, and routine maintenance of hearing aids and/or ear molds.
Conclusions: Patients receiving hearing aids services from Ramathibodi Hospital reported better speech sound hearing and communication. They were satisfied with hospital services and hearing aids on defined indicators.