title: Internet Competency Predicts Practical Hearing Aid Knowledge and Skills in First-Time Hearing Aid Users.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to assess whether Internet competency predicted practical hearing aid knowledge and handling skills in first-time hearing aid users.
  
  
  METHODS
  The design was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of a multimedia educational intervention consisting of interactive video tutorials (or reusable learning objects [RLOs]). RLOs were delivered through DVD for TV or PC, and online. Internet competency was measured at the hearing aid fitting appointment, whereas hearing aid knowledge and practical handling skills were assessed 6 weeks postfitting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Internet competency predicted practical hearing aid knowledge and handling skills, controlling for age, hearing sensitivity, educational status, and gender for the group that received the RLOs. Internet competency was inversely related to the number of times the RLOs were watched.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Associations between Internet competency and practical hearing aid knowledge, handling skills, and watching the RLOs fewer times may have arisen because of improved self-efficacy. Therefore, first-time hearing aid users who are more competent Internet users may be better equipped to apply newly learned information to effectively manage their hearing loss.
authors: NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Maidment
authors: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Brassington
authors: School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Wharrad
authors: NIHR Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United KingdomNottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
authors: Melanie
authors: M
authors: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies