Attitudes of smartphone‐based hearing screening test use among patients with mild cognitive impairment: A qualitative study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundWhile the importance of early diagnosis of hearing loss in older adults with cognitive impairment has been increasingly highlighted, smartphone‐based self‐hearing assessments have become widely adopted due to their low cost, easy‐to‐use, and accessibility. The validity and reliability of this method have been accepted for detecting hearing loss. However, few studies were conducted on this vulnerable population. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore older adults with mild cognitive impairment’s experiences, perceptions, and attitudes toward digital self‐hearing screening tools.MethodSeventeen patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were recruited from memory clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Focus groups were conducted to understand self‐perception of hearing problems and their experience after using smartphone‐based hearing screening application. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultAll focus groups discussed self‐perception of hearing loss, experience of use, as well as feedback for smartphone‐based hearing screening application. The acceptability and attitude of smartphone‐based hearing test was explored. Individual experiences varied depending on personal factors and lifestyle.ConclusionDigital self‐hearing screening tools emerged as potential method for screening hearing impairment. The findings of this study described opinions, feedback, and factors that contributed to the usage of smartphone‐based hearing screening applications. These findings will inform further developments of this tool based on the personalized needs of individuals with cognitive impairment, with the objective of facilitating the early detection and timely intervention for hearing loss in this population.