An investigation into hearing aid trials: audiologist practices and adult patient experiences
Date
2021
Authors
Heliopoulos, Angie Argypo
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Abstract
Background: The process of adjusting and becoming accustomed to hearing aids
may be best facilitated by providing a hearing aid trial period. A trial period allows the
user time to adjust to the hearing aid in terms of fit and perception of sound.
Globally, hearing aid trials are often perceived as an ‘up-in-the-air’ process in that,
there are no standardised frameworks or regulations on the recommended hearing
aid trial period. Additionally, there is a dearth of knowledge on hearing aid trials
within the South African population. The practices of audiologists in fitting and
possibly trialing of hearing aids have not been explored in the local context, thus
bringing about the purpose of the current study. Objective: The main purpose of this
study was to explore audiologists’ hearing aid trialing practices and describe hearing
aid users’ experiences from these hearing aid trials. The secondary objectives
looked at determining a suitable number of hearing aids to test per trial period as
well as the most preferred duration of a trial period. It also looked at comparing
patient satisfaction with hearing aid trials, and lastly, exploring the hearing aid users’
decisions in choosing hearing aids. Method: A sequential, explanatory, mixed
method approach was chosen to formulate the study. A purposive sampling strategy
in conjunction with snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit participants.
95 audiologists and eight hearing aid users in South Africa were recruited for this
study. Data were collected through the use of an online survey via Google forms, as
well as semi-structured online or telephonic interviews. A pilot study was conducted
prior to the commencement of the main study in order to ensure reliability of the main
study. Quantitative analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistical
analysis (Chi-square method of analysis). The qualitative aspect of data analysis
incorporated thematic analysis where five themes were identified. Results: The
results indicated that two weeks was the most recommended duration of a trial
period from audiologists. The duration of hearing aid trials by the hearing aid users
varied with one-week, two-weeks, three weeks and two-month trials. However, a
one-to-three-week trial period was recommended by participants. Furthermore,
participants felt that one month was too long. Only 72.63% of audiologists offer
hearing aid trials to their patients. Most audiologists who offer hearing aid trials
choose to trial their patients with 2 different hearing aids. The majority of participants’
trialed one set of hearing aids during their trial period. One half of the hearing aid
users felt like trialing only one set of hearing aids is enough while the second half felt
like they would like to trial two pairs to compare. Hearing aid trials are most
commonly only provided if requested by the hearing aid user. The first hearing aid(s)
trialed are the ones the users usually choose if more than one pair is trialed. Hearing
aid users all felt that trialing hearing aids first before purchasing them should be
mandatory practice. All participants reported a good and positive experience whilst
using hearing aids during the hearing aid trial. Conclusion: Findings revealed a
need for trialing periods to become standard practice by audiologists when fitting
hearing aids. Not enough audiologists are providing this service even though the
users reported only benefits and positive experiences from these trials.
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Audiology in the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witswatersrand, 2021