Internet competency predicts practical hearing aid knowledge and skills in first-time hearing aid users

Maidment, David W.; Brassington, William; Wharrad, Heather; Ferguson, Melanie A.

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to assess whether Internet competency predicted practical hearing aid knowledge and handling skills in first-time hearing aid users.

Method. The design was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of a multimedia educational intervention consisting of interactive video tutorials (or reusable learning objects [RLOs]). RLOs were delivered through DVD for TV or PC, and online. Internet competency was measured at the hearing aid fitting appointment, whereas hearing aid knowledge and practical handling skills were assessed 6 weeks postfitting.

Results. Internet competency predicted practical hearing aid knowledge and handling skills, controlling for age, hearing sensitivity, educational status, and gender for the group that received the RLOs. Internet competency was inversely related to the number of times the RLOs were watched.

Conclusion. Associations between Internet competency and practical hearing aid knowledge, handling skills, and watching the RLOs fewer times may have arisen because of improved self-efficacy. Therefore, first-time hearing aid users who are more competent Internet users may be better equipped to apply newly learned information to effectively manage their hearing loss.

Citation

Maidment, D. W., Brassington, W., Wharrad, H., & Ferguson, M. A. (2016). Internet competency predicts practical hearing aid knowledge and skills in first-time hearing aid users. American Journal of Audiology, 25(3S), https://doi.org/10.1044/2016_AJA-16-0022

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 20, 2016
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Oct 24, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 24, 2016
• Journal: American Journal of Audiology
• Print ISSN: 1059-0889
• Electronic ISSN: 1558-9137
• Publisher: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3S
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1044/2016_AJA-16-0022
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/822172
• Publisher URL: http://aja.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2573093