Relating Factors and Trends in Hearing Device Adoption Rates to Opportunities for Hearing Health Care Providers

Abstract

As with many professions, audiology is continuing to evolve. More specifically in terms of hearing device technology, we see evolution in remote accessibility to providers, public knowledge of devices, and services provided by hearing care professionals. Each of these topics plays a role in an individual's decision to pursue any sort of hearing care services. Given the variety of new devices soon coming to the market (over-the-counter devices), it is important for the audiologist to understand patient motivators and how they have a great impact on both the practice of audiology as well as the patient's overall satisfaction. The goal of this article is to investigate the MarkeTrak 2022 data to determine the trends in adoption and use of hearing aids as well as examine predictive factors that can be used to better understand hearing aid adoption.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Availability across the Spectrum of Human Skin Colors

“…There are several consequences that may result from the OTC color offering inequity. For example, BIPOC people may opt for an in-the-ear hearing aid to minimize device visibility, but this may not be the best product choice for their type of hearing loss [ 13 ]. This group of hearing aid wearers is also at an increased risk of bullying and disability-related harassment in addition to the often-daily hate toward their skin color.…”

“…This design choice was made primarily due to the stigma associated with individuals wearing hearing aids being viewed as elderly or disabled. While the stigma has slowly become less prevalent in recent years, most users still prefer more discreet devices [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Having the option for hearing aid shells that blend into the user’s skin or hair color is an important consideration for hearing aid companies to consider when developing product colorways.…”

“…After understanding the impacts of colorism, it is important to build on its specific relationship to healthcare. BIPOC people are often more apprehensive about accessing medical care due to a history of prejudice and discrimination from the healthcare system (that continues in many places to this day) [ 13 ]. In hearing care, racial disparities persist and are subject to the same issues as the rest of the healthcare system.…”

Why Do Cochlear Implant Candidates Defer Surgery? A Retrospective Case–Control Study

“…Studies show that family involvement is associated with seeking treatment and adopting hearing aids. [34][35][36] These observations are often driven by underlying third-party disability, or disability of a patient extending to and impacting family members, eroding the QoL of all individuals involved. 37,38 In the context of CI adoption, familial support is also valued as a motivator in a patients' decision-making process.…”

“…Familial support for hearing‐impaired individuals positively impacts efforts toward hearing rehabilitation. Studies show that family involvement is associated with seeking treatment and adopting hearing aids 34–36 . These observations are often driven by underlying third‐party disability, or disability of a patient extending to and impacting family members, eroding the QoL of all individuals involved 37,38 .…”