Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices and Other Technologies on Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Abstract

Deaf and hard of hearing people use a variety of assistive devices and technologies as a strategy to mitigate, counter or compensate for life difficulties resulting from hearing loss. Although outcome measures are commonly used with hearing aids, few studies have explored the perceived psychosocial impact of other assistive devices and technologies or the factors leading to their abandonment or lack of use. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of different assistive devices on deaf and hard of hearing people using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. The sample was made up of 291 individuals, 176 women and 115 men, with an average age of 56.12 years (standard deviation (SD) = 25.11), who were all users of different assistive devices. Overall, the results of the study showed that the use of assistive devices had a positive psychosocial impact, although this impact varied slightly depending on the specific type of device. Moreover, a relationship was identified between the psychosocial impact and the probability of future abandonment of a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. The results point to the importance of considering the psychosocial impact derived from the use of a device as a relevant variable in the adoption process of assistive technologies for deaf and hard of hearing people.

The psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology on everyday life of children and adults

“…It might provide knowledge about which areas are problematic when the AT is used, as well as information on more positive areas. Getting access to the user’s perceptions of an AT is important for the development of the AT in and of itself, as well as the service in relation to the AT [ 19 , 20 ]. In addition, increased knowledge among service providers on psychosocial impact of an AT and its effect on QoL can support clinical reasoning and decision-making in the provision of services to and development of information for EGAT users [ 19 , 21 ].…”

Factors Influencing Utilization of Assistive Devices by Tibetan Seniors on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Based on Research Strategy of Triangulation

“… 17 In addition, it is essential to determine the proportion of older adults who need appropriate ADs but are unable to obtain or utilize them, and to understand the unmet need for ADs by Tibetan seniors. Most previous studies on ADs have focused on plain areas, 18 with attention to young disabled groups 19 and non-minority populations, 20 and there is a lack of research on vulnerable populations in the plateau areas, including older disabled groups and ethnic minorities. Welfare policies cover people with disabilities who are already functionally disabled, 21 while the elderly who can make the most of ADs are neglected in the face of an aging society where the burden of social care is becoming more and more serious.…”

Effectiveness of a Self-Fitting Tool for User-Driven Fitting of Hearing Aids

“…Hearing impairment is a growing global issue for our society, especially among the elderly, and affordable hearing care is a major public health concern [1][2][3]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it was estimated that 466 million people worldwide (over 5% of the world's population) have a disabling hearing loss, and it is predicted that this prevalence will triple by 2050 [4,5].…”