A Study on Hearing Aid Benefits in Elderly Using Body Worn Hearing Aid

The World Health Organization estimates that the population over 60 years will reach 1.2 billion, with 278 million people affected by disabling hearing loss, mostly in developing countries. In India, hearing impairment is the most common morbidity among the elderly, particularly in rural, economically dependent populations. Hearing loss affects communication and daily functioning. The ADIP Scheme supports elderly individuals by providing hearing aids to improve communication and quality of life. Need of the Study: Hearing-aid outcome measures document treatment benefits, guide clinical decisions, and Self-reported tools highlight the need for EBP research in the Indian elderly-population. Aim & Objectives: Self-reported hearing-aid benefits and perceived benefits as reported by family members in elderly body-worn hearing-aid users, as a function of the gain provided by the hearing aid. A) To measure hearing-aid benefit as a function of gain provided by mild-class hearing aids. B) To measure hearing-aid benefit as a function of gain provided by moderate-class hearing aids. C) To measure hearing-aid benefit as a function of gain provided by strong-class hearing aids. Method: Forty-five elderly participants (≥50 years) using body-worn hearing aids for 2-2.5 years were recruited from AYJNISHD, SRC, Secunderabad, with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing, divided into three groups (n=15). The Telugu-adapted Hearing Aid Benefit Questionnaire assessed six domains. Mean, SD, independent t tests, and repeated-measures on ANOVA with post hoc analysis was performed using SPSS-12. Results and Discussions: The mild-class hearing aids yielded greater perceived benefit than moderate and strong classes, with maximum benefit in quiet listening and minimal benefit for music and telephone use. Difficulty increased with greater hearing loss severity. Non-audiological factors such as age, education, cosmetic concerns, and adaptability influenced outcomes. Family members also reported greater benefit in aided conditions. The questionnaire proved to be a practical tool for assessment and rehabilitation planning.