Comparison of Knowledge About Hearing Aids Among Patients with Hearing Impairment

Abstract

Background: Effective hearing-aid use depends on practical device knowledge, appropriate maintenance, realistic expectations, and psychosocial acceptance. Objective: To compare hearing-aid-related responses among new and experienced users with hearing impairment. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 160 adults recruited through purposive sampling from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Alam Audiology Clinic. Participants were divided equally into new and experienced hearing-aid-user groups. A structured questionnaire assessed equipment care, decision-making and social influence, and the fitting and follow-up process. Group responses were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Men comprised 60.0% of participants, 65.6% used behind-the-ear devices, and 86.3% had sensorineural hearing loss. Experienced users had higher response ranks for personal initiation of hearing-aid use (106.00 versus 55.00, p<0.001) and knowing another hearing-aid user (85.50 versus 75.50, p=0.033). New users had higher ranks for the anti-fall protection item (94.25 versus 66.75, p<0.001) and embarrassment about public use (87.06 versus 73.94, p=0.019). Most fitting and follow-up items did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Differences between new and experienced users were domain-specific rather than evidence of a consistent overall knowledge advantage. Continuing counselling should address device care, expectations, decision-making, social influences, and stigma.