The effect of hearing aid treatment on health-related quality of life in older adults with hearing loss

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of hearing aid (HA) intervention on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in first-time and experienced HA users using the 15D questionnaire. Secondly, the study explored the relationship between clinical parameters and changes in 15D scores.DesignA prospective observational study.Study sampleThe study population included 1562 patients (1113 first-time and 449 experienced HA users) referred for HA rehabilitation. All patients responded to the 15D at baseline, two months after HA fitting, and at long-term follow-up (698 +/- 298 d).ResultsAmong both first-time and experienced HA users, significant improvements in hearing-dimension (15D-3) score were observed at two-month follow-up which sustained at long-term follow-up. 15D total scores significantly decreased at long-term follow-up. Self-reported hearing abilities, word recognition scores, and HA use time were significantly and positively correlated to increased 15D.ConclusionsBoth groups of HA users reported improved hearing-related QoL after HA treatment which sustained at long-term follow-up but the improvement in total 15D total score did not sustain for either group. The results suggest that HA intervention positively affects hearing-related QoL among older adults with hearing loss, and the findings support the use of 15D as a tool for the evaluation of HA treatment effects.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of HA intervention on long-term HRQoL changes in first-time and experienced HA users using the 15D questionnaire. The results showed significant improvements in hearing-related QoL for both groups at two-month follow-up, which sustained at long-term follow-up. However, the total 15D scores decreased significantly at long-term follow-up. Self-reported hearing abilities, word recognition scores, and HA use time were positively correlated to increased 15D scores.