J Audiol Otol.
2018 Apr;22(2):96-104. 10.7874/jao.2017.00318.
Examination of Previously Published Data to Identify Patterns in the Social Representation of ‘Hearing Aids’ Across Countries
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, USA. vinaya.manchaiah@lamar.edu
- 2Audiology India, Mysore, India.
- 3Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
- 4LERASS Laboratory, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- 5Department of Philosophy and History of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- 6The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- 7The Department of Health and Welfare Studies, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
- KMID: 2415949
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2017.00318
Abstract
- BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Societal factors seem to exercise a strong influence on hearing aid uptake, use, and satisfaction. In particular, knowledge, perception, and attitude of people will have bearing towards their and others health behavior and decisions. The current study aimed at understanding the perception of hearing aids by adults belonging to the general population in different countries.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The study employed a crosssectional design. A sample of 404 adults from India, Iran, Portugal, and the United Kingdom were recruited by relying on a convenience sampling. Previously published data was re-analyzed but it was applied for different approach. Free association task was used to collect the data. They were asked to provide up to five words or phrases that come to mind when thinking about "hearing aids." The data was initially analyzed based on qualitative content analysis. This was followed by quantitative cluster analysis and chi square analysis.
RESULTS
The content analysis suggested 39 main categories of responses related to hearing aids. The cluster analysis resulted in five main clusters, namely: 1) positive attitude, 2) external factors, 3) hearing aid use and satisfaction, 4) etiology, and 5) benefits and limitations of technology. A few demographic factors (i.e., education, occupation type, country) showed association with different clusters, although country of origin seemed to be associated with most clusters.
CONCLUSIONS
The study provides us with unique insights into the perception of hearing aids by the general public, and additionally, the way demographic variables may influence these perceptions.
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