Abstract
Objective: There is limited application of health behavior-based theoretical models in hearing healthcare, yet other fields utilizing these models have shown their value in affecting behavior change. The health belief model (HBM) has demonstrated appropriateness for hearing research. This study assessed factors that influence an individual with suspected hearing loss to pursue clinical evaluation, with a focus on perceived burden of hearing loss on communication partners, using the HBM as a framework. Design: Cross-sectional design collecting demographics along with three validated hearing-loss related questionnaires. Study sample: Patients from Duke University Medical Center Otolaryngology Clinic aged 55–75 years who indicated a communication partner had expressed concern about their hearing. A final sample of 413 completed questionnaire sets was achieved. Results: The HBM model construct ‘cues to action’ was a significant (p <0.001) predictor of pursuing hearing evaluation. Perceived burden of hearing loss on communication partners was a significant (p <0.001) predictor of pursuing hearing evaluation and improves the model fit when added to the HBM: 72.0% correct prediction when burden is added versus 66.6% when not (p <0.0001). Conclusions: Hearing healthcare initiatives that incorporate these factors may improve hearing help-seeking behavior. More research using sound theoretical models in hearing healthcare is warranted.
Highlights
Hearing loss and health behavior Age-related hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition affecting older adults in the United States: one-third of individuals over age 60 and two-thirds of those over age 70 have some degree of hearing loss (Lin et al, 2011a)
Perceived burden of hearing loss on communication partners was a significant (p50.001) predictor of pursuing hearing evaluation and improves the model fit when added to the health belief model (HBM): 72.0% correct prediction when burden is added versus 66.6% when not (p50.0001)
There were 41 participants who were excluded because they discontinued the survey at some point during the process; 12 participants were excluded because they did not meet the eligibility criteria; and 10 participants were excluded because they did not answer the question referencing the primary outcome measure
Summary
Hearing loss and health behavior Age-related hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition affecting older adults in the United States: one-third of individuals over age 60 and two-thirds of those over age 70 have some degree of hearing loss (Lin et al, 2011a). Loss of hearing can make it difficult to follow a physician’s advice, respond to safety warnings, and communicate effectively with family and friends. Thirty-six percent indicated they had hearing aids and of those, 71.2% responded ‘yes’ to the question asking whether they wear their hearing aids regularly. These demographics were compared at the primary outcome measure level, and no statistically significant difference was found in these demographics between those who pursued hearing evaluation and those who did not
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