Hearing-aid use and its determinants in the UK National Health Service: a cross-sectional study at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of and factors contributing to non-adherence to hearing-aid use in the UK National Health Service.


METHODS
A cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey.


METHODS
A questionnaire, including the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, was sent to all patients fitted with hearing aids at the Royal Surrey County Hospital between 2011 and 2012 (N = 1874). A total of 1023 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate of 55%).


RESULTS
A total of 29% of responders did not use their hearing aids on a regular basis (i.e. used them less than four hours per day). Non-regular use was more prevalent in new (40%) than in existing patients (11%). Factors that reduced the risk of non-regular use included bilateral versus unilateral amplification, and moderate or severe hearing loss in the better ear. 16% of responders fitted with bilateral amplification used only one of their hearing aids.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of non-regular use of hearing aids in NHS found in this study was comparable to those for other countries. Additional support might be needed for patients at a higher risk of non-regular use.
* Audiology Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , Guildford , UK.
Hashir
H
Aazh
Deepak
D
Prasher
Kiran
K
Nanchahal
Brian C J
BC
Moore
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006766:Hospitals, County; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
Hearing aids; hearing-aid use; satisfaction; survey