Impact of patient attributes on the relationship between hearing handicap and readiness to pursue audiologic rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored whether select patient attributes were significant predictors of readiness to pursue hearing aids (HAs) and estimated the impacts of hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE) and emotional states, on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs. DESIGN & STUDY SAMPLE: Sixty-two adults with self-reported hearing difficulties and no previous experience with HAs self-reported their hearing handicap, HASE, personality, emotional states in varying contexts, and readiness to pursue HAs. RESULTS: Individuals with greater hearing handicap and who had experienced hearing loss for a shorter duration were more ready to pursue HAs. Having higher HASE, more positive emotional states in "Social" situations, higher scores for the Agreeableness, and having lower Conscientiousness personality trait scores also independently predicted readiness. Neither HASE nor reported emotional states had a significant impact on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs. CONCLUSIONS: Certain patient characteristics independently motivate people towards or away from pursuing HAs. However, it remains unclear whether targeted modification of these attributes would directly facilitate behaviour change. Future research should further explore these questions to facilitate a more individualised audiologic rehabilitation.

An exploration of associations between hearing aid self-efficacy and other measurable characteristics of naïve and experienced hearing aid users.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to clarify the associations between Hearing Aid Self-efficacy (HASE) and other traits such as working memory, personality and hearing aid (HA) experience. DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE: Fifty-four adults (both naïve and experienced HA users) were included in this exploratory descriptive study. Their working memory, personality, HASE, HA experience and practical HA skills were evaluated. RESULTS: HA experience had a significant positive association with self-efficacy for basic and advanced HA handling abilities. Working memory and personality traits were not related to HASE. For the experienced HA users, HASE was not related to HA skills. However, the openness personality trait had a significant positive association with HA skills. CONCLUSIONS: The positive association between HASE and HA experience supported the theory that HASE might be improved through mastery experiences. Possessing certain cognitive abilities or specific personality traits is not a prerequisite for having high HASE. This study also supports previous findings that HASE is not related to HA skills, bringing into question whether improving HASE will also improve HA outcomes. However, for experienced participants, aspects of personality and cognition might play a role in mediating the association between HASE and HA skills.

Shared experiences among successful hearing aid users with high hearing aid self-efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: While targeted rehabilitation can enhance hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE), little research has been done to determine the factors contributing to its predictive value. By investigating the experiences of individuals who successfully use HAs and have high levels of HASE, we hoped to illuminate specific strategies and/or sources of support these individuals share that might explain why high HASE is often linked to successful outcomes. DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE: This qualitative study explored the experiences of five older adults who were successful HA users and reported having high HASE. Semi-structured interview guides were developed using the transtheoretical model of behavioral change as a framework. Interviews were analyzed thematically and holistically. RESULTS: Participants attributed their HA success to: intrinsic motivation to improve their hearing, confident self-reliance when making health decisions, willingness to act on advice from trusted others, pro-social personal attributes, positive expectations about HA outcomes, and actively pursuing an optimal HA outcome. CONCLUSIONS: For these participants, internal factors related to emotional state and source of motivation, and, to a lesser extent, verbal persuasion played a crucial role in their long-term success. This suggests that external influencers might be less impactful in facilitating success for those with high HASE.

"It Depends on the Situation": How Hearing-Specific Contexts Affect the Way Adults With Hearing Loss Report Their Personal Attributes.

PURPOSE: This study examined how adults with untreated hearing loss respond to surveys about their self-efficacy, personality traits, and affective states when assessed "in general" and in listening-related contexts. We also explored the associations between hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE) and listening-related personality traits and affective states. METHOD: Sixty-two adults with self-reported hearing difficulties and no experience with hearing aids (HAs) participated in this descriptive study. Participants self-reported their self-efficacy, personality, and affective states in general and in listening-related contexts. Paired t tests and repeated measures with Holm-Sídák corrections were performed to explore differences between reports of patient traits in different contexts. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore significant associations. RESULTS: On average, there were no significant differences between general and listening-related self-efficacy or personality traits. However, our participants indicated significantly more negative affective states in listening-related situations compared to in general. There was a small positive association between HASE and reported affective states in "General" and "Listening at Home" contexts. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that context-specific measures are not required to accurately assess self-efficacy and personality traits in the initial stages of the hearing health journey. However, reported affective states were listening dependent for this sample. Although reported affective states were related to HASE, context-dependent measures did not provide additional insight into participants' self-efficacy for successful HA use. This suggests that rehabilitation protocols designed to promote HASE and positive affect in general and listening-related situations could facilitate HA success.