Evaluating a Theoretically Informed and Cocreated Mobile Health Educational Intervention for First-Time Hearing Aid Users: Qualitative Interview Study.

Heather Wharrad,David W Maidment,Rachel Gomez,Melanie A Ferguson,Neil S Coulson,Rachel Heyes

doi:10.2196/17193

Abstract

BackgroundAdults living with hearing loss have highly variable knowledge of hearing aids, resulting in suboptimal use or nonuse. This issue can be addressed by the provision of high-quality educational resources.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the everyday experiences of first-time hearing aid users when using a newly developed, theoretically informed cocreated mobile health (mHealth) educational intervention called m2Hear. This intervention aims to deliver greater opportunities for individualization and interactivity compared with our previously developed multimedia intervention, C2Hear.MethodsA total of 16 first-time hearing aid users trialed m2Hear for a period of 10-weeks in their everyday lives, after which individual semistructured interviews were completed. The data were analyzed using an established deductive thematic analysis procedure underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior model. The model stipulates that to engage in a target behavior, an individual must have physical and psychological capability, physical and social opportunity, and automatic and reflective motivation.ResultsCapability—m2Hear was viewed as a concise and comprehensive resource, suitable for a range of digital literacy skills. It was stated that m2Hear could be conveniently reused to provide useful reminders that facilitate knowledge of hearing aids and communication. Opportunity—m2Hear was simple and straightforward to use, enabling greater individualization and independence. The availability of m2Hear via mobile technologies also improved accessibility. Motivation—m2Hear provided greater support and reassurance, improving confidence and empowering users to self-manage their hearing loss.ConclusionsOverall, this qualitative study suggests that m2Hear supports first-time hearing aid users to successfully self-manage their hearing loss postfitting. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the utility of employing a combined theoretical and ecologically valid approach in the development of mHealth educational resources to meet the individual self-management needs of adults living with hearing loss.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03136718; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03136718

Highlights

BackgroundChronic health conditions, including hearing loss, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]
Motivation—m2Hear provided greater support and reassurance, improving confidence and empowering users to self-manage their hearing loss. Overall, this qualitative study suggests that m2Hear supports first-time hearing aid users to successfully self-manage their hearing loss postfitting
This study demonstrates the utility of employing a combined theoretical and ecologically valid approach in the development of mobile health (mHealth) educational resources to meet the individual self-management needs of adults living with hearing loss

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundChronic health conditions, including hearing loss, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. Self-management support in aural rehabilitation should facilitate knowledge of hearing loss and hearing aids, hearing aid handling and communication skills, monitoring the development of and solving new problems, psychosocial well-being, and collaborative decision making with hearing health care professionals [4,5,6]. Most of the information provided to patients is forgotten or retained incorrectly [13,14,15] This difficulty can be overcome through the provision of supplementary educational support. Adults living with hearing loss have highly variable knowledge of hearing aids, resulting in suboptimal use or nonuse. This issue can be addressed by the provision of high-quality educational resources

Methods

Results

Conclusion