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J Am Acad Audiol 2017; 28(03): 248-260
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.16035
Review
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Audiological Rehabilitation for Facilitating Hearing Aid Use: A Review

Hashir Aazh
*   Audiology Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
†   London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
,
Brian C. J. Moore
‡   Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 June 2020 (online)

Also available atMedOne
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Abstract

Purpose:

This article reviews and critically analyzes the design of studies on the effect of audiological rehabilitation (AR) programs on hearing aid (HA) outcomes, in order to guide future research.

Research Design:

The design of this study was a narrative review. Studies were included in the review if they were randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of AR on HA use and outcome between 2000 and 2016.

Results:

Seven articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Most used educational rather than counseling approaches. Although educational AR programs seem to be useful in enhancing the use of communication strategies, there is limited evidence for their effect on HA use and self-perceived hearing handicap.

Conclusions:

More research is needed in this field. Future studies should (1) investigate the efficacy of AR interventions based on counseling and empathetic listening as opposed to or in addition to educational interventions, (2) use stricter criteria to include only a subpopulation of patients who do not get on well with their HAs, (3) measure the amount of HA use via data-logging and self-report questionnaires, and (4) use a matching comparison intervention for patients in the control group.

Key Words

audiological rehabilitation - hearing aid use - hearing handicap

This article is based on independent research arising from a doctoral research fellowship (DRF-2011-04-001; to HA) supported by the National Institute for Health Research and the Royal Surrey County Hospital.


The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the National Institute for Health Research, or the Department of Health.