Michael McKee|Hwajung Choi|Shelby Wilson|Melissa DeJonckheere|Philip Zazove|Helen Levy
Determinants of Hearing Aid Use Among Older Americans With Hearing Loss
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
abstract background objectives hearing loss hl common among older adults associated significant psychosocial cognitive physical sequelae hearing aids ha help individuals hl use study examines social determinants may impact ha use research design methods conducted explanatory sequential mixed methods study involving secondary analysis nationally representative data set health retirement study hrs n 35572 followed 11 qualitative interviews n 21 community participants clarify findings samples included individuals aged 55 older selfreported hl without ha main outcome measure proportion participants selfreported hl use ha results discussion analysis hrs data indicated younger nonwhite nonhispanic lower income lesseducated individuals significantly less likely use ha referent groups p values lt 001 area residence eg urban significantly associated ha use qualitative findings revealed barriers ha included cost stigma vanity general low priority placed addressing hl health care providers facilitators obtaining using ha included familyfriend support knowledge adequate insurance coverage ha implications many socioeconomic factors hinder individuals ability obtain use ha obstacles appeared mitigated part insurance plans provided adequate ha coverage familyfriends provided encouragement use ha