Understanding Hearing Aid Use and Non-Use in Adult Hearing Aid Recipients: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

The increase in hearing loss statistics continues to be a growing global health concern. Despite the critical role that hearing aids play in the clinical management of hearing loss, many recipients have reported that they do not use their devices consistently. However, over the past decade, there have been rapid advancements in the hearing aid industry with new innovations that aim to improve the functionality of the devices in general as well as user experiences. The aim of the present study was to explore the self-perceived reasons for hearing aid use and non-use among a large cohort of adult hearing aid recipients. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, the study analyzed qualitative responses from 680 adult American hearing aid users, aged 19 to 93 years, collected through the Hearing Tracker and Lexie Hearing platforms. The open-ended responses were examined using content analysis, which identified key themes related to the use and non-use of hearing aids. The findings were linked to two domains namely, hearing aid use and hearing aid non-use. Within these domains, three primary categories emerged: personal factors, situational aspects, and device-related issues. In the non-use domain, 24 sub-categories were identified, including self-consciousness, discomfort, the need for fine-tuning, and fears related to device damage or loss. Conversely, the hearing aid use domain comprised 11 sub-categories, highlighting reliance on the device for daily functioning, environmental safety and awareness, and the benefits of streaming and connectivity features. This study highlights the importance of addressing the personal concerns of hearing aid users, particularly in enhancing the comfort and practicality of devices. By providing targeted support in challenging situations, satisfaction with hearing aids can be improved, potentially leading to more consistent use and better overall outcomes for individuals with hearing loss.