Husmita Ratanjee-Vanmali|De Wet Swanepoel|Ariane Laplante-Lévesque
Characteristics, behaviours and readiness of persons seeking hearing healthcare online
University of Pretoria|University of Pretoria|University of Western Australia|Ear Science Institute Australia|Oticon Medical (Denmark)|Linköping University
objective study describes characteristics behaviours readiness people interested seeking hearing healthcare hhc onlinedesign nonprofit clinic established services virtual clinic offered patientaudiologist interactions conducted online used online means invite individuals take free online digitinnoise din test upon failing test individuals reported readiness seek hhc using two tools line staging algorithmstudy sample individuals 18 years age within greater durban area south africa eligible participate studyresults total 462 individuals completed online din test first 3 months 5866 271462 failed test 1104 51462 submitted details contact clinic audiologist five individuals proceeded comprehensive hearing evaluation hearing aid trial individuals showed readiness seek hhc measurement tools individuals reported knowing hearing challenges prior taking test waited period 5 16 years seeking hhc significant association age din test result foundconclusion explorative study first clinic utilise digital tools across entire patient journey combination facetoface interactions providing hhc internetconnected devices provide opportunity individuals seek hhc providers offer initial services detect counsel support persons initial engagement process seeking hhc may open new audiology patient pathways online hearing screening assessment readiness seek hhc enhancement service delivery using hybrid services combining online facetoface modes synchronous asynchronous communication