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de Beer C, Bennett RJ, Eikelboom RH, le Roux T. Impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life: a conceptual framework informed by parents. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38606527 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2337094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on parents and siblings are recognised, limited evidence exists regarding the effect of paediatric cochlear implantation on the entire family life (e.g., routine interactions, family activities). This study aimed to describe the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life as perceived by parents, using concept mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS Parents of paediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients (n = 29) participated in this concept mapping study to generate, group, and rate statements regarding the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life. RESULTS In total, 99 unique statements described the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life. The concept map revealed six concepts, namely (i) Financial Outlay and Supports; (ii) Education and Therapy; (iii) Responsibilities and Sacrifices; (iv) Extended Family and Community; (v) Spouses and Siblings and (vi) Achievements and Enrichments. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the multiple areas of family life affected by paediatric cochlear implantation. To improve patient-and-family-centered care, these factors must be considered during pre-operative and successive counselling of paediatric CI recipients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chané de Beer
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rebecca J Bennett
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Talita le Roux
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Sherman V, Glista D, Cunningham BJ. Engaging clinical end users in the development of an outcome measurement protocol for paediatric communicative health systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 25:821-829. [PMID: 36444943 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2148741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a conceptual framework of the factors likely to influence clinicians' use of a new participation-focused outcome measurement protocol in a large paediatric speech-language pathology program. METHOD A convenience sample of 27 end users (clinicians, managers) were recruited from Ontario, Canada's Preschool Speech and Language Program. Participants engaged in one virtual concept mapping session in groups of five to six during which they learned about the new protocol, and generated statements in response to a prompt asking them to identify factors that would influence their use of the protocol. Following all sessions, participants asynchronously sorted and rated all statements, and data were analysed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses. RESULT Six themes were identified: (1) response from families; (2) use of resources; (3) feasibility and clinical utility; (4) relevance and value-added for clinicians; (5) streamlining policies and guidelines; and (6) delivery, administration, and modification of tool. Response from families, feasibility and clinical utility, and use of resources received the highest importance ratings. CONCLUSION Concept mapping methodology was used to engage clinicians and managers to identify the barriers to a new implementation protocol for outcome measurement. Results will support future research and implementation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sherman
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- The National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barbara J Cunningham
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Zuriekat M, Alqudah S, Semeraro H, Watson V, Rowan D, Kirby S, Ferguson M. The audiological rehabilitation of workers with hearing loss in the UK: a qualitative study of workers' perspectives. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37800442 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2261375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Unaddressed hearing loss can adversely affect employment and day-to-day work-life. Efficient and effective audiology support can help optimise hearing in the workplace. This study explores the audiological rehabilitation experiences of workers with hearing loss (WHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four WHL with experience of a wide range of audiology services across the UK participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were generated: Theme 1: mixed experiences with audiology services (subdivided into two subthemes and four sub-subthemes). Theme 2: audiology role in work support (subdivided into three subthemes). Theme 3: "I think support could be improved if…" (subdivided into two subthemes). CONCLUSION The audiological rehabilitation for working-age adults with hearing loss needs improvements to deliver sufficient support and quality care. Some of the barriers to having better-functioning hearing healthcare require fundamental standards in healthcare quality, such as access to services, staff (including audiologists) deaf awareness, information and technology support, and personalised care that considers work-life needs. Further research is required to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of improvements, such as support that extends beyond hearing aid care, whether from audiology or non-audiology services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Zuriekat
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan & Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Safa Alqudah
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Victoria Watson
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel Rowan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Kirby
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Melanie Ferguson
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Nicoras R, Gotowiec S, Hadley LV, Smeds K, Naylor G. Conversation success in one-to-one and group conversation: a group concept mapping study of adults with normal and impaired hearing. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:868-876. [PMID: 35875851 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2095538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concept of conversation success is undefined, although prior work has variously related it to accurate exchange of information, alignment between interlocutors, and good management of misunderstandings. This study aimed (1) to identify factors of conversation success and (2) to explore the importance of these factors in one-to-one versus group conversations. DESIGN Group concept mapping method was applied. Participants responded to two brainstorming prompts ("What does 'successful conversation' look like?" and "Think about a successful conversation you have taken part in. What aspects of that conversation contributed to its success?"). The resulting statements were sorted into related clusters and rated in importance for one-to-one and group conversation. STUDY SAMPLE Thirty-five adults with normal and impaired hearing. RESULTS Seven clusters were identified: (1) Being able to listen easily; (2) Being spoken to in a helpful way; (3) Being engaged and accepted; (4) Sharing information as desired; (5) Perceiving flowing and balanced interaction; (6) Feeling positive emotions; (7) Not having to engage coping mechanisms. Three clusters (1, 2, and 4) were more important in group than in one-to-one conversation. There were no differences by hearing group. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasise that conversation success is a multifaceted concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Nicoras
- Hearing Sciences - Scottish Section, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Lauren V Hadley
- Hearing Sciences - Scottish Section, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Karolina Smeds
- Hearing Sciences - Scottish Section, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- ORCA Europe, WS Audiology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Graham Naylor
- Hearing Sciences - Scottish Section, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Kuschke S, Moodie S, Kirubalingam K, O'Hagan R, Glista D. Parents' Perceptions of the Factors Influencing the Uptake of Remote Pediatric Hearing Aid Support: Development of a Conceptual Framework. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e47358. [PMID: 37279061 DOI: 10.2196/47358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve effective integration of virtual care into family-centered audiology practices, participatory research methods, including parents as vital participants in the delivery of pediatric audiology care, should be considered. A better understanding of the barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of virtual care for families is warranted. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework of the factors perceived to influence the adoption of remote pediatric hearing aid support among the parents of children with hearing loss. METHODS A total of 12 parents of children who wear hearing aids, between the ages of 0-17 years, were recruited to participate in group or individual interviews as part of the 6-step participatory-based concept mapping (CM) process. Data collection was specific to parents in a Canadian context. Analyses included multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS The CM process resulted in 6 main themes, displayed in a cluster map according to their order of importance. These themes include access to timely, consistent care; technology considerations; convenience; child engagement; cost; and partnership considerations. Key underlying statements and subthemes are highlighted per theme. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study demonstrate the use of CM in participatory research with parents and as part of a family-centered care model. Future research should aim to investigate the factors that influence the uptake of remote hearing aid support in different contexts, for example, in low- to middle-income countries versus those in high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila Moodie
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- National Centre for Audiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Keshinisuthan Kirubalingam
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robin O'Hagan
- National Centre for Audiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- National Centre for Audiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Glista D, O'Hagan R, DiFabio D, Moodie S, Muñoz K, Curca IA, Meston C, Richert F, Pfingstgraef D, Nageswaran L, Brown C, Joseph K, Bagatto M. Phase 1 of collaborative action around the implementation of virtual hearing aid care: Development of a clinical practice guideline. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:614-621. [PMID: 37084185 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is a growing demand for comprehensive, evidence-based, and accessible clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to address virtual service delivery. This demand was particularly evident within the field of hearing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, when providers were faced with an immediate need to offer services at a distance. Considering the recent advancement in information and communication technologies, the slow uptake of virtual care, and the lack of knowledge tools to support clinical integration in hearing healthcare, a Knowledge-to-Action Framework was used to address the virtual care delivery research-to-practice gap. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This paper outlines the development of a CPG specific to provider-directed virtual hearing aid care. Clinical integration of the guideline took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and in alignment with an umbrella project aimed at implementing and evaluating virtual hearing aid care incorporating many different stakeholders. METHOD Evidence from two systematic literature reviews guided the CPG development. Collaborative actions around knowledge creation resulted in the development of a draft CPG (v1.9) and the mobilisation of the guideline into participating clinical sites. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Literature review findings are discussed along with the co-creation process that included 13 team members, from various research and clinical backgrounds, who participated in the writing, revising, and finalising of the draft version of the guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin O'Hagan
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle DiFabio
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila Moodie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Muñoz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Ioan Aurelian Curca
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- H. A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Meston
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- H. A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frances Richert
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- H. A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dave Pfingstgraef
- Elgin Audiology Consultants, London & St. Thomas, Thomas, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luxshmi Nageswaran
- Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Brown
- H. A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keiran Joseph
- Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marlene Bagatto
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Denusik L, Servais M, Glista D, Hatherly K, Moodie S, Cardy JO, Weitzman E, Cunningham BJ. Families' Experiences in the Virtual Hanen More Than Words Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:701-716. [PMID: 36877765 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic required most pediatric rehabilitation programs to shift to a virtual delivery format without the benefits of evidence to support this transition. Our study explored families' experiences participating virtually in More Than Words, a program for parents of autistic children, with the goal of generating new evidence to inform both virtual service delivery and program development. METHOD Twenty-one families who recently completed a virtual More Than Words program participated in a semistructured interview. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed in NVivo using a top-down deductive approach that referenced a modified Dynamic Knowledge Transfer Capacity model. RESULTS Six themes capturing families' experiences with different components of virtual service delivery were identified: (a) experiences participating from home, (b) accessing the More Than Words program, (c) delivery methods and program materials, (d) the speech-language pathologist-caregiver relationship, (e) new skills learned, and (f) virtual program engagement. CONCLUSIONS Most participants had a positive experience in the virtual program. Suggested areas for improvement included the time and length of intervention sessions and increasing social connections with other families. Practice considerations related to the importance of childcare during group sessions and having another adult to support the videorecording of parent-child interactions. Clinical implications include suggestions for how clinicians can create a positive virtual experience for families. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22177601.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Servais
- University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Thames Valley Children's Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Barbara Jane Cunningham
- University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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DiFabio D, Moodie S, O’Hagan R, Pardal S, Glista D. Barriers and facilitators to paediatric caregivers' participation in virtual speech, language, and hearing services: A scoping review. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231216684. [PMID: 38033515 PMCID: PMC10687955 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231216684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Virtual care-related technologies are transforming the way in which health services are delivered. A growing number of studies support the use of virtual care in the field of audiology and speech-language pathology; however, there remains a need to identify and understand what influences caregiver participation within the care that is virtual and family-focused. This review aimed to identify, synthesize, and summarize the literature around the reported barriers and facilitators to caregiver participation in virtual speech/hearing assessment and/or intervention appointments for their child. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for evidence synthesis. A search was conducted using six databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, Nursing and Allied Health, and Web of Science to collect peer-reviewed studies of interest. Data was extracted according to a protocol published on Figshare, outlining a predefined data extraction form and search strategy. Results A variety of service delivery models and technology requirements were identified across the 48 included studies. Caregiver participation was found to vary across levels of attendance and involvement according to eight categories: Attitudes, child behavioral considerations, environment, opportunities, provider-family relationship, role in care process, support, and technology. Conclusions This review presents a description of the key categories reported to influence caregiver participation in virtual care appointments. Future research is needed to explore how the findings can be used within family-centered care models to provide strategic support benefiting the use and outcomes of virtual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle DiFabio
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila Moodie
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robin O’Hagan
- The National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Simrin Pardal
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Abstract
PURPOSE Implementation science aims to facilitate the use of evidence-based programs, practices, and policies in routine care settings. In audiology, as in other health disciplines, there is a persistent research-to-practice gap. Improving the adoption, reach, implementation, and sustainment of effective interventions in audiology would increase their public health impact, ensuring that all individuals needing hearing health care services could benefit from innovations and evidence-based best practices. This tutorial provides an introductory overview of implementation science relevant to the field of audiology, including Internet-based practices and interventions. METHOD Major concepts and themes of implementation science are presented, including implementation outcomes, implementation science frameworks, implementation strategies, current topics in implementation science, and study design considerations. Recent publications in audiology are highlighted to illustrate implementation science concepts and themes. The relevance of each topic to the use of evidence-based programs, practices, and policies in audiology is highlighted with reference to recent research in the field. CONCLUSIONS Challenges in the widespread delivery of evidence-based audiological practices and interventions limit their public health impact. The application of implementation science principles and methods in audiology research, as demonstrated in other areas of health research, can increase our focus on ensuring that effective practices are widely available, accessible, equitable, and sustainable to improve the lives of those who need them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R. Studts
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
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DiFabio DL, O'Hagan R, Glista D. A Scoping Review of Technology and Infrastructure Needs in the Delivery of Virtual Hearing Aid Services. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:411-426. [PMID: 35580238 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-21-00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The digital health revolution has brought forward integral technological advancements enabling virtual care as a readily accessible delivery model. Despite this forward momentum, the field of audiology still faces barriers that impede the uptake of virtual services into routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to gather, synthesize, and summarize the literature around virtual hearing aid intervention studies and the related technology and infrastructure requirements. METHOD A scoping review was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Nursing and Allied Health, and Web of Science databases. Objectives, inclusion criteria, and scoping review methods were specified in advance and documented in a protocol. RESULTS The 11 studies identified through this review related to virtual hearing aid services delivered by a licensed health care provider and/or facilitator(s) specific to hearing aid management, programming, verification, and validation services. Service delivery models varied according to patient population, technology experience, type(s) and time course of care, type of remote location, and technology/support requirements. Barriers and facilitators to implementation-related themes including technology access and function, client sociotechnical, convenience, education and training, interaction quality, service delivery, and technology innovation. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review provides evidence around the technology and infrastructure required for full integration of virtual hearing aid services into practice and according to care type. Low-tech versus high-tech requirements may be used to guide virtual service delivery triaging efforts. Research and development efforts in the areas of pediatrics, clinical support tools, and hearing aid/app-based solutions will support further uptake of virtual service delivery in audiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. DiFabio
- National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Robin O'Hagan
- National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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11
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Saleh HK, Folkeard P, Van Eeckhoutte M, Scollie S. Premium versus entry-level hearing aids: using group concept mapping to investigate the drivers of preference. Int J Audiol 2021; 61:1003-1017. [PMID: 34883040 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.2009923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the difference in outcome measures and drivers of user preference between premium and entry-level hearing aids using group concept mapping. DESIGN A single-blind crossover trial was conducted. Aided behavioural outcomes measured were loudness rating, speech/consonant recognition, and speech quality. Preference between hearing aids was measured with a 7-point Likert scale. Group concept mapping was utilised to investigate preference results. Participants generated statements based on what influenced their preferences. These were sorted into categories with underlying themes. Participants rated each statement on a 5-point Likert scale of importance. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-three adult participants (mean: 62.4 years; range: 24-78) with mild to moderately severe bilateral SNHL (PTA500-4000 Hz > 20 dB HL). RESULTS A total of 83 unique statements and nine distinct clusters, with underlying themes driving preference, were generated. Clusters that differed significantly in importance between entry-level and premium hearing aid choosers were: Having access to smartphone application-based user-controlled settings, the ability to stream calls and music, and convenience features such as accessory compatibility. CONCLUSION This study has identified non-signal-processing factors which significantly influenced preference for a premium hearing aid over an entry-level hearing aid, indicating the importance of these features as drivers of user preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan K Saleh
- Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Folkeard
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maaike Van Eeckhoutte
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens, Lyngby.,Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) & Audiology Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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