# Impact of hearing aid usage on the quality of life of the older adult in KwaZulu-Natal

## TL;DR

This study examines how hearing aid use affects the quality of life for older adults in KwaZulu-Natal, finding both benefits and barriers to consistent usage.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the lived experiences of older adults using hearing aids in a South African context.

## Key findings

- Hearing aid use improved social interactions, emotional well-being, and listening comfort for older adults.
- Barriers to hearing aid adoption include resistance, adaptation challenges, and socioeconomic factors like transportation costs.
- Participants reported reduced anxiety and greater participation in social activities with consistent hearing aid use.

## Abstract

Despite the benefits of hearing aids for patients experiencing presbycusis, their adoption and consistent use in this population remain low.

This study explores older adults’ experiences with hearing aid use to better understand its perceived impact on the quality of life (QoL) and factors contributing to inconsistent use.

Adopting a phenomenological approach, semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with eight current hearing aid users, aged 67–84 years, presenting with varying degrees of hearing loss. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

The findings revealed four key themes with three sub-themes each, highlighting a perceived positive impact of hearing aid usage on participants’ QoL. Improved hearing enhanced communication with family and friends, reduced social isolation and fostered greater participation in social activities. Reduced anxiety and frustration enhanced emotional well-being. Challenges included initial resistance to hearing aids, adaptation difficulties and specific listening environment issues. Socioeconomic factors, such as transportation costs, posed significant barriers for individuals without medical aid coverage, limiting access to audiological services.

Hearing aid use was perceived to enhance the QoL of older adults by improving social interactions, emotional well-being, cognition and listening comfort. However, uptake remains low because of resistance, adaptation challenges, technological difficulties and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing these barriers through patient education, improved service delivery, and research is essential to allow for an improvement in one’s QoL.

This study provides insights into understanding factors influencing hearing aid usage in older adults who may have unique experiences and challenges related to hearing health.