Perception of hearing impairment and the willingness to use hearing aids in an elderly population in southern Taiwan: A community-based study

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and severity of hearing impairment (HI), the self-perception of HI, and the willingness to use a hearing aid (HA) in the elderly population in southern Taiwan. Design: This community-based study was performed in a metropolitan hospital. A questionnaire about the perception of HI and the willingness to use a HA was used. The severity of HI in speech-frequency pure-tone average (PTA) was evaluated. The associations between sex, age, severity of HI, self-perception of HI, and the willingness to use a HA were analysed. Study sample: A total of 599 volunteers were recruited from the health management center; 324 (54.1%) males and 275 (45.9%) females, who were 65 years of age or older. Results: The prevalence of HI >25 dBHL in the elderly was 78%. The predicted levels for elderly persons to perceive HI and hearing difficulties were 34.38 dBHL and 54.38 dBHL, respectively. Males and younger participants were more willing to use HA. The primary reasons for refusing HA use were discomfort (25.1%) and a self-perception that the HA was unnecessary (19.7%). Conclusions: The prevalence of HI was high among the elderly population in southern Taiwan. Age and sex were the determinants of HA use.