Reasons for non-adoption of a hearing aid among elderly Chinese

Abstract

Background. This study examined possible reasons for non-adoption of a hearing aid among elderly Chinese persons residing in Hong Kong who had both hearing impairment and a self perception of hearing handicap/difficulty. Methods. 95 Cantonese speakers with hearing impairment, who did not use hearing aids, were identified by pure-tone hearing screening and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening. They were interviewed using a comprehensive 51-item questionnaire that listed possible reasons for hearing aid non-adoption. Results. The most common reason for non-adoption of a hearing aid was that these participants considered their hearing impairment not severe enough to warrant using a hearing aid. Other common reasons included a belief that hearing loss was a normal aspect of ageing, that the better hearing ear provided adequate audition, that hearing aids were unaffordable, and that hearing aids were inconvenient to wear. Conclusions. Greater public education regarding hearing impairment in the elderly and the positive impact of amplification may assist in the long-term to improve the usage rates of hearing instruments in elderly Chinese persons. When counselling such individuals regarding their hearing impairment, clinicians should be aware that the patient’s assumptions regarding hearing aid use may differ markedly from professional views.