RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the hearing aid usage ratios and durations, patient satisfaction and the probable causes of disuse if they are not used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire with 16 questions was applied to the patients who were prescribed hearing aids in our clinic between January 2007 and December 2009. A total of 517 patients were called by phone. Hundred and seventy-nine of the patients (75 females, 104 males; mean age 60±23 years; range 17 to 94 years) participated in the trial. Hearing aid usage ratios and patients' satisfaction were determined and the factors influencing usage were statistically investigated. RESULTS: Hundred and forty-two of the patients used their hearing aids regularly and 37 of the patients either used their aids rarely or never used them. The most common cause reported for disuse was the frequent noise coming from the hearing aid. CONCLUSION: Failure to explain the usage of the hearing aids to the patients and age over 70 years have a statistically significant negative effect on the duration of hearing aid use and patient satisfaction.
