Maidment David W, Ali Yasmin H K, Ferguson Melanie A
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK.
Hearing Sciences Section, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
J Am Acad Audiol. 2019 May;30(5):417-430. doi: 10.3766/jaaa.18061. Epub 2019 Apr 29.
Unlike conventional hearing aids, smartphone-connected listening devices may require limited or no input from a trained audiologist in terms of device programming and adjustment. However, there is a lack of peer-reviewed evidence assessing the real-world perspectives of people living with hearing loss toward such technological innovations.
This study assessed the everyday experiences of adults living with hearing loss toward a range of smartphone-connected listening devices using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model as a theoretical framework.
A qualitative study where participants trialed one of the following smartphone-connected listening devices for two weeks in their everyday lives: made-for-smartphone hearing aid, personal sound amplification product, and smartphone "hearing aid" app with wired earphones or wireless hearable. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted.
Twenty adults (13 male and 7 female; mean age = 62.25 years, SD = 11.59) with mild-to-moderate hearing loss (mean better ear pure-tone average = 30.49 dB HL, SD = 17.51) were recruited using a convenience sampling strategy. All participants owned conventional hearing aids.
The data were analyzed using an established deductive thematic analysis procedure within the context of the COM-B model. The model stipulates that for individuals to engage in a particular behavior (B), they must have sufficient capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M).
Capability: One of the key advantages facilitating use and adherence of smartphone-connected listening devices was the ability for participants to make fine-tune adjustments in any listening situation. Opportunity: Participants commented that these devices could address issues surrounding stigma as smartphones are ubiquitous in everyday life. Motivation: Participants consistently reported that the ability to make adjustments via a smartphone provided them with a greater sense of autonomy and empowerment. As a result, they felt more in control of their hearing loss.
This study lays the foundation for further high-quality research to explore whether smartphone-connected technologies have the potential to yield optimum benefits for people living with hearing loss.
与传统助听器不同，连接智能手机的听力设备在设备编程和调整方面可能只需要很少的专业听力学家指导，甚至无需指导。然而，目前缺乏经过同行评审的证据来评估听力损失患者对这类技术创新的真实看法。
本研究以能力、机会、动机、行为（COM-B）模型为理论框架，评估了听力损失成年人在使用一系列连接智能手机的听力设备时的日常体验。
一项定性研究，参与者在日常生活中对以下连接智能手机的听力设备之一进行为期两周的试用：专为智能手机设计的助听器、个人声音放大产品，以及搭配有线耳机或无线可听设备的智能手机“助听器”应用程序。研究人员进行了个别半结构化访谈。
采用便利抽样策略招募了20名患有轻至中度听力损失的成年人（13名男性和7名女性；平均年龄 = 62.25岁，标准差 = 11.59）（较好耳平均纯音听阈均值 = 30.49 dB HL，标准差 = 17.51）。所有参与者都拥有传统助听器。
在COM-B模型的背景下，使用既定的演绎主题分析程序对数据进行分析。该模型规定，个体要参与特定行为（B），必须具备足够的能力（C）、机会（O）和动机（M）。
能力：促进连接智能手机的听力设备使用和坚持使用的关键优势之一是参与者能够在任何听力情况下进行微调。机会：参与者表示，由于智能手机在日常生活中无处不在，这些设备可以解决与耻辱感相关的问题。动机：参与者一致表示，通过智能手机进行调整的能力为他们提供了更大的自主感和掌控感。因此，他们对自己的听力损失更有掌控感。
本研究为进一步开展高质量研究奠定了基础，以探索连接智能手机的技术是否有可能为听力损失患者带来最佳益处。
