Chandra Navshika, Searchfield Grant D
J Am Acad Audiol. 2016 Jun;27(6):441-457. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.15058.
Despite evidence that hearing aids can improve the social and psychological functioning of older hearing-impaired adults, hearing aid uptake is low. High cost of hearing aids and poor access to audiology services in rural areas are potential barriers to hearing aid acquisition. Methods of hearing aid delivery deviating from the traditional clinician-based model have been available to consumers for many years. One such method is Internet hearing aid sales. However, research exploring Internet-based hearing aid delivery, as a method to improve hearing aid uptake in this population, is limited.
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of older hearing aid users (aged ≥65 yr) toward Internet-based hearing aid delivery.
A qualitative approach was adopted to investigate older adults' perceptions of buying hearing aids online.
The sample consisted of 18 participants aged between 64 and 81 yr. Fourteen men and four women participated in this study. Participants were all experienced hearing aid users.
Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted. An interview schedule guided the interview. Interviews were recorded with a voice recorder and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out.
Seven main themes emerged from the data. A general lack of awareness, but willingness to learn more about Internet hearing aid sales, was found. Two perceived benefits of Internet-based hearing aid delivery were identified: lower cost of hearing aids and greater convenience or physical accessibility. Numerous concerns and limitations were communicated. Concerns regarding the availability of clinical procedures, such as hearing tests, obtaining the correct-sized earmolds, and fine-tuning of hearing aids, were expressed. Participants conveyed distrust in online retailers. However, trust in and a preference for audiologists' expertise, which was not perceived to be available online, was found. Participants further conveyed a preference for face-to-face contact. Finally, in this sample, a general lack of familiarity and confidence in using the Internet was communicated.
Internet sales of hearing aids is a controversial topic in audiology. Although Internet-based delivery of hearing aids was perceived by older adults to be potentially beneficial, several shortcomings and concerns were conveyed. Irrespective of opinion of the role of Internet sales, audiologists should consider the opinions of the elderly as to how different service models may improve hearing aid uptake.
尽管有证据表明助听器可以改善老年听力受损成年人的社交和心理功能，但助听器的使用率较低。助听器的高成本以及农村地区听力服务获取困难是获取助听器的潜在障碍。多年来，消费者可以选择偏离传统基于临床医生模式的助听器交付方式。其中一种方法是通过互联网销售助听器。然而，探索基于互联网的助听器交付方式以提高该群体助听器使用率的研究有限。
本研究的目的是探讨老年助听器使用者（年龄≥65岁）对基于互联网的助听器交付方式的看法。
采用定性方法调查老年人对在线购买助听器的看法。
样本包括18名年龄在64至81岁之间的参与者。14名男性和4名女性参与了本研究。参与者均为有经验的助听器使用者。
进行面对面的半结构化访谈。访谈提纲指导访谈过程。访谈用录音机记录并逐字转录。对数据进行主题分析。
数据中出现了七个主要主题。发现普遍缺乏认知，但愿意更多地了解互联网助听器销售。确定了基于互联网的助听器交付方式的两个感知益处：助听器成本较低以及更大的便利性或身体可达性。也表达了许多担忧和限制。表达了对临床程序可用性的担忧，如听力测试、获得尺寸合适的耳模以及助听器的微调。参与者对在线零售商表示不信任。然而，发现他们信任并偏好听力学家的专业知识，而认为在线无法获得这种专业知识。参与者还表示更喜欢面对面接触。最后，在这个样本中，普遍缺乏对使用互联网的熟悉度和信心。
助听器的互联网销售在听力学领域是一个有争议的话题。尽管老年人认为基于互联网的助听器交付方式可能有益，但也表达了一些缺点和担忧。无论对互联网销售作用的看法如何，听力学家都应考虑老年人对于不同服务模式如何提高助听器使用率的意见。
