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Predictors of entering a hearing aid evaluation period: a prospective study in older hearing-help seekers

Pronk, Marieke; Deeg, Dorly J.H.; Versfeld, Niek J.; Heymans, Martijn; Naylor, Graham; Kramer, Sophia E.

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Authors

Marieke Pronk

Dorly J.H. Deeg

Niek J. Versfeld

Martijn Heymans

Profile image of GRAHAM NAYLOR

GRAHAM NAYLOR GRAHAM.NAYLOR@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Professor of Hearing Sciences

Sophia E. Kramer



Abstract

This study aimed to determine the predictors of entering a hearing aid evaluation period (HAEP) using a prospective design drawing on the health belief model and the transtheoretical model. In total, 377 older persons who presented with hearing problems to an ENT-specialist (n = 110) or a hearing aid dispenser (n = 267) filled in a baseline questionnaire. After four months, it was determined via a telephone interview whether or not participants had decided to enter a HAEP. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to determine which baseline variables predicted HAEP status. A priori, candidate predictors were divided into ‘likely’ and ‘novel’ predictors based on the literature. The following variables turned out to be significant predictors: more expected hearing aid benefits, greater social pressure, and greater self-reported hearing disability. In addition, greater hearing loss severity and stigma were predictors in women but not in men. Of note, the predictive effect of self-reported hearing disability was modified by readiness such that with higher readiness, the positive predictive effect became stronger. None of the ‘novel’ predictors added significant predictive value. The results support the notion that predictors of hearing aid uptake are also predictive of entering a HAEP. This study shows that some of these predictors appear to be gender-specific or are dependent on a person’s readiness for change. After assuring the external validity of the predictors, an important next step would be to develop prediction rules for use in clinical practice, so that older persons’ hearing help seeking journey can be facilitated.

Citation

Pronk, M., Deeg, D. J., Versfeld, N. J., Heymans, M., Naylor, G., & Kramer, S. E. (in press). Predictors of entering a hearing aid evaluation period: a prospective study in older hearing-help seekers. Trends in Hearing, 21, https://doi.org/10.1177/2331216517744915

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 17, 2017
Online Publication Date Dec 14, 2017
Deposit Date Nov 7, 2017
Publicly Available Date Dec 14, 2017
Journal Trends in Hearing
Electronic ISSN 2331-2165
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 21
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/2331216517744915
Keywords Hearing help-seeking; Hearing aids; Older adults; Health Belief Model; Stages of Change
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/899755
Publisher URL http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2331216517744915
Contract Date Nov 7, 2017

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