'Getting used to' hearing aids from the perspective of adult hearing-aid users.

OBJECTIVE

To describe getting used to hearing aids from the perspective of adult hearing-aid users.

DESIGN

Three focus group discussions were carried out. A topic guide and discussion exercises were used to elicit views on getting used to hearing aids. Discussion was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

STUDY SAMPLE

Adult hearing aid users (n = 16).

RESULTS

Participants described getting used to hearing aids as a multi-factorial process which included adjusting to altered sensory input, practical matters such as cleaning and maintenance, and managing the psychosocial impact of hearing-aid use, such as on self-image. Users reported a process of discovering benefits and limitations of hearing aids leading to individual patterns of use that was relatively independent of input from audiologists.

CONCLUSIONS

Getting used to hearing aids is a challenging multi-factorial process with both psychosocial and practical difficulties besides demands of adjusting to hearing-aid input.