Assessment of Hearing Aids Outcomes for Patients With Hearing Loss

Abstract

Background: Age-related hearing loss is a vital problem that impacts daily living including communication, socialization, and wellbeing. To be fitted with appropriate hearing aids can certainly improve quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to develop a set of indicators that will be used to measure hearing aids outcomes.
 Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of hearing-aid outcomes and to examine common hearing aid problems.
 Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of 634 patients receiving hearing aids services at Ramathibodi Hospital from July 2015 to June 2016, was performed. Data were collected using a data collection form and were examined by conducting descriptive analysis and paired t tests. Common hearing aid problems were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
 Results: Of 634 patients receiving hearing aids services, the average hearing thresholds and speech recognition scores among with and without hearing aids, across a range of hearing loss, were statistically significant (P < .01). Patients’ satisfaction on hospital services, and on hearing aids were 4.64 and 4.34, respectively. Common hearing aid problems were communication strategy, hearing aid manipulation, and routine maintenance of hearing aids and/or ear molds.
 Conclusions: Patients receiving hearing aids services from Ramathibodi Hospital reported better speech sound hearing and communication. They were satisfied with hospital services and hearing aids on defined indicators.