The Relationship Between Hearing Aid Self-Efficacy and Hearing Aid Satisfaction

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy for hearing aids (HAs) and satisfaction with HAs in a group of adult HA owners.

Method

Forty-seven adults acquiring HAs (new and experienced owners) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Hearing Handicap Questionnaire (Gatehouse & Noble, 2004), and received an audiometric evaluation prior to HA fitting. Twelve weeks following the completion of the HA fitting, they completed the Measure of Audiologic Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy for Hearing Aids (Smith & West, 2006) and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (Cox & Alexander, 1999) questionnaires.

Results

There were no significant differences between experienced and new HA owners in terms of self-efficacy or HA satisfaction. The majority of participants had adequate self-efficacy for basic HA handling and adjustment to HAs. Fewer participants had adequate self-efficacy for aided listening and advanced handling of HAs. HA self-efficacy was related to HA satisfaction in three domains: positive effect and negative features of HAs and service and cost.

Conclusion

Many HA owners do not have adequate self-efficacy in important HA-related domains. Clinical intervention to improve self-efficacy for HAs may help improve HA satisfaction.

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