Awareness of Hearing Loss in Older Adults: Results of a Survey Conducted in 500 Subjects Across 5 European Countries as a Basis for an Online Awareness Campaign

• Published in: Inquiry (Chicago) Vol. 55; p. 46958018759421
• Main Authors: D’Haese, Patrick S. C., De Bodt, Marc, Van Rompaey, Vincent, Van de Heyning, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2018; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Adults; Aged; Awareness; Cochlear implants; Cochlear Implants - psychology; Constraints; Deafness; Europe; Female; Funding; Global Health; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hearing; Hearing aids; Hearing Aids - psychology; Hearing loss; Hearing Loss - diagnosis; Hearing Loss - psychology; Hearing Loss - therapy; Hearing protection; Humans; Male; Medical treatment; Middle Aged; Motivation; Older people; Original Research; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Perceptions; Physical characteristics; Population; Professionals; Questionnaires; Severity of Illness Index; Speech; Transplants & implants; Europe; Austria; Sweden; United Kingdom > UK; Australia; United States > US; Germany; health belief model; cochlear implant; penetration; referral rates; utilization; Internet; elderly adults
• ISSN: 0046-9580; 1945-7243
• DOI: 10.1177/0046958018759421

The objectives of this study were to assess the factors which contribute to individuals’ health motivation to address hearing loss and to gather baseline data that could then be used to measure the impact of an awareness campaign. An online questionnaire with 13 closed set questions was completed by 100 subjects in each country including Austria, Germany, France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The questionnaire was based around the Health Belief Model, which describes how, in order to take action to address a medical problem, the individual must perceive that the condition presents a threat to their well-being that exceeds any barriers to treatment. Good hearing was regarded as being important in all countries. There was agreement that the main sign of hearing loss was turning up the TV or radio. In most countries, hearing aids were thought to be not particularly visible, not require much maintenance, a hindrance while doing sport, and must be removed before bed. Perceptions of hearing implants were that they were permanently fitted, not externally visible, and do not need to be removed before bed. Medical issues were mostly researched through a doctor and then via the Internet. In this sample, there was a good understanding of the consequences and signs of hearing loss, but although hearing implants were viewed as being different to hearing aids, there was little understanding that the external speech processor was similar to a hearing aid in its physical characteristics. When actions were taken, the key professionals consulted about hearing problems were the general practitioner and ear, nose, and throat specialist.