Abstract:
INTRODUCTION : Access to ear and hearing health services are limited or non-existent
in low-income countries, with less than 10% of the global production of hearing
aids distributed to this population. The aim of this feasibility study was to
compare the outcomes of an ultra-low-cost hearing aid (LoCHAid) to
programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high-frequency hearing
loss, in Blantyre, Malawi.
METHODS : Sixteen adults with high frequency hearing loss, and no prior experience
of hearing aids, took part in this study, nine were fitted with the LoCHAid and seven
were fitted with refurbished, programmable hearing aids, for a one-month trial.
Five standardized hearing qualities questionnaires were used to compare
outcomes pre and post device fitting and between devices. Questionnaire scales
were analysed using general linear models and inductive thematic analysis was
used to evaluate qualitative data.
RESULTS : Overall, there was no significant difference found between LoCHAid and
refurbished hearing aids, and the two device types each showed a similar degree
of improvement after fitting. Qualitative data analysis identified two key themes:
Sound Quality and User experience.
CONCLUSION : The results from this feasibility study are encouraging, but a
comprehensive, larger clinical study is needed to draw firm conclusions about
the LoCHAid’s performance. This study has identified key improvement
indicators required to enhance sound quality and user experience of the LoCHAid.
