Download PDF
Semin Hear 2023; 44(03): 287-301
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769741
Review Article

Exploring Hearing Care Technology from Clinic to Capability

Kathryn A. Penno
1   Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Human Biology, School of Human Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
2   Nuheara, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
,
Justin A. Zakis
3   Sonova Audiological Care Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
› Author Affiliations
› Further Information
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Healthcare systems are traditionally a clinician-led and reactive structure that does not promote clients managing their health issues or concerns from an early stage. However, when clients are proactive in starting their healthcare earlier than later, they can achieve better outcomes and quality of life. Hearing healthcare and the rehabilitation journey currently fit into this reactive and traditional model of care. With the development of service delivery models evolving to offer services to the consumer online and where they are predominately getting their healthcare information from the internet and the advancement of digital applications and hearing devices beyond traditional hearing aid structures, we are seeing a change in how consumers engage in hearing care. Similarly, as the range of hearing devices evolves with increasingly blended and standard levels of technology across consumer earbuds/headphones and medical grade hearing aids, we are seeing a convergence of consumers engaging earlier and becoming increasingly aware of hearing health needs. This article will discuss how the channels, service, and technology are coming together to reform traditionally clinician-led healthcare models to an earlier consumer-led model and the benefits and limitations associated with it. Additionally, we look to explore advances in hearing technologies and services, and if these will or can contribute to a behavioral change in the hearing healthcare journey of consumers.

Keywords

hearing aids - hearable - online - service models - behavior - data


Publication History

Article published online:
05 June 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

  • References

  • 1 McCormack A, Fortnum H. Why do people fitted with hearing aids not wear them?. Int J Audiol 2013; 52 (05) 360-368
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Davis A, Ferguson M, Stephens D, Gianopoulos I. Acceptability, Benefit and Costs of Early Screening for Hearing Disability: A Study of Potential Screening Tests and Models. NIHR 2007 contract no. 42
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Simpson AN, Matthews LJ, Cassarly C, Dubno JR. Time from hearing aid candidacy to hearing aid adoption: a longitudinal cohort study. Ear Hear 2019; 40 (03) 468-476
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Krist AH, Tong ST, Aycock RA, Longo DR. Engaging patients in decision-making and behavior change to promote prevention. Stud Health Technol Inform 2017; 240: 284-302
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Clark NM, Becker MH, Janz NK, Lorig K, Rakowski W, Anderson L. Self-management of chronic disease by older adults: a review and questions for research. J Aging Health 1991; 3 (01) 3-27
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Wagner EH, Austin BT, Von Korff M. Improving outcomes in chronic illness. Manag Care Q 1996; 4 (02) 12-25
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 NICE. Glossary NICE [webpage]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). no date [updated 2022; cited August 4, 2022]. Accessed May 15, 2023 at: https://www.nice.org.uk/glossary?letter=q
    PubMed
  • 8 Dillon H, Day J, Bant S, Munro KJ. Adoption, use and non-use of hearing aids: a robust estimate based on Welsh national survey statistics. Int J Audiol 2020; 59 (08) 567-573
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Irace AL, Armstrong NM, Deal JA. et al. Longitudinal associations of subclinical hearing loss with cognitive decline. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77 (03) 623-631
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Golub J, Brickman A, Schupf CA, Luchsinger J. Association of subclinical hearing loss with cognitive performance. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 146 (01) 57-67
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 WHO. World Report on Hearing. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization March 2021
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Edwards B. Emerging technologies, market segments, and MarkeTrak 10 insights in hearing health technology. Semin Hear 2020; 41 (01) 37-54
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Keidser G, Dillon H, Flax M, Ching T, Brewer S. The NAL-NL2 prescription procedure. Audiology Res 2011; 1 (01) e24
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Zakis JA, Hau J, Blamey PJ. Environmental noise reduction configuration: Effects on preferences, satisfaction, and speech understanding. Int J Audiol 2009; 48 (12) 853-867
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Chung K, McKibben N, Mongeau L. Wind noise in hearing aids with directional and omnidirectional microphones: polar characteristics of custom-made hearing aids. J Acoust Soc Am 2010; 127 (04) 2529-2542
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Zakis JA, Hawkins DJ. Wind noise within and across behind-the-ear and miniature behind-the-ear hearing aids. J Acoust Soc Am 2015; 138 (04) 2291-2300
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Zakis JA. Wind noise at microphones within and across hearing aids at wind speeds below and above microphone saturation. J Acoust Soc Am 2011; 129 (06) 3897-3907
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Humes LE, Rogers SE, Quigley TM, Main AK, Kinney DL, Herring C. The effects of service-delivery model and purchase price on hearing-aid outcomes in older adults: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Am J Audiol 2017; 26 (01) 53-79
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Smits C, Kapteyn TS, Houtgast T. Development and validation of an automatic speech-in-noise screening test by telephone. Int J Audiol 2004; 43 (01) 15-28
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Dillon H, Beach EF, Seymour J, Carter L, Golding M. Development of Telscreen: a telephone-based speech-in-noise hearing screening test with a novel masking noise and scoring procedure. Int J Audiol 2016; 55 (08) 463-471
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Watson CS, Kidd GR, Miller JD, Smits C, Humes LE. Telephone screening tests for functionally impaired hearing: current use in seven countries and development of a US version. J Am Acad Audiol 2012; 23 (10) 757-767
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Honeth L, Bexelius C, Eriksson M. et al. An internet-based hearing test for simple audiometry in nonclinical settings: preliminary validation and proof of principle. Otol Neurotol 2010; 31 (05) 708-714
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Blamey P. The expected benefit of hearing aids in quiet as a function of hearing thresholds. In: Elaine S. , ed Tele-Audiology and the Optimization of Hearing Healthcare Delivery. Hershey, PA: IGI Global; 2019: 63-85
    Google Scholar
  • 24 Blamey P, Saunders E. Predicting speech perception from the audiogram and vice versa. Canadian Audiologist 2015; 2 (01) x
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Smits C, Merkus P, Houtgast T. How we do it: the Dutch functional hearing-screening tests by telephone and internet. Clin Otolaryngol 2006; 31 (05) 436-440
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Blamey PJ, Blamey JK, Saunders E. Effectiveness of a teleaudiology approach to hearing aid fitting. J Telemed Telecare 2015; 21 (08) 474-478
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Abrams HB, Singh J. Preserving the role of the audiologist in a clinical technology, consumer channel, clinical service model of hearing healthcare. Semin Hear 2023; 44 (03) 302-318
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 28 Beckett R, Blamey B, Saunders S. Optimizing hearing aid utilisation using telemedicine tools. Encyclopedia of e-Health and Telemedicine. Hershey, PA: IGI Global; 2016: 72-85
    CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 29 Shub DE, Makashay MJ, Brungart DS. Predicting speech-in-noise deficits from the audiogram. 2020; 41 (01) 39-54
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Humes LE. The contributions of audibility and cognitive factors to the benefit provided by amplified speech to older adults. J Am Acad Audiol 2007; 18 (07) 590-603
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 31 Saunders E, Brice S, Alimoradian R. Goldstein and Stephens revisited and extended to a telehealth model of hearing aid optimization. In: Saunders E. , ed Tele-Audiology and the Optimization of Hearing Healthcare Delivery. IGI Global; 2019: 33-62
    Google Scholar
  • 32 Angara P, Tsang DC, Hoffer ME, Snapp HA. Self-perceived hearing status creates an unrealized barrier to hearing healthcare utilization. Laryngoscope 2021; 131 (01) E289-E295
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 33 Glista D, Schnittker J, Brice S. The modern hearing care landscape: towards the provision of personalized, dynamic, and adaptive care. Semin Hear 2023; 44 (03) 261-273
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 34 Audiology Australia. National Competency Standards for Audiologists. Melbourne, Australia: Audiology Australia Ltd; 2022: 14
    Google Scholar
  • 35 Convery E, Hickson L, Keidser G, Meyer C. The Chronic Care Model and chronic condition self-management: an introduction for audiologists. Semin Hear 2019; 40 (01) 7-25
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 36 Saunders GH, Frederick MT, Silverman SC, Nielsen C, Laplante-Lévesque A. Health behavior theories as predictors of hearing-aid uptake and outcomes. Int J Audiol 2016; 55 (Suppl. 03) S59-S68
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 37 Edwards B, Ferguson M. Understanding hearing aid rejection and opportunities for OTC using the COM-B model. The Hearing Review. 2020; 27 (06) 12-13
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 38 Mitchell ES, Yang Q, Behr H. et al. Psychosocial characteristics by weight loss and engagement in a digital intervention supporting self-management of weight. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18 (04) 1-17
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 39 Carey A, Yang Q, DeLuca L, Toro-Ramos T, Kim Y, Michaelides A. The relationship between weight loss outcomes and engagement in a mobile behavioral change intervention: retrospective analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9 (11) e30622
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 40 Needham M. Consumer Enthusiasm for Wearable Devices Drives the Market to 28.4% Growth in 2020, According to IDC; 2022 [updated 15 March 2021. Accessed May 15, 2023 at:: https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS47534521
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 41 Choe Y, Fesenmaier DR. The Quantified Traveler: Implications for Smart Tourism Development. Analytics in Smart Tourism Design. Tourism on the Verge; 2017: 65-77
    Google Scholar
  • 42 Amlani AM. Effect of determinants of health on the hearing care framework: an economic perspective. Semin Hear 2023; 44 (03) 232-260
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 43 Valente M, Amlani AM. Cost as a barrier for hearing aid adoption. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 143 (07) 647-648
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 44 Laplante-Lévesque A, Knudsen LV, Preminger JE. et al. Hearing help-seeking and rehabilitation: perspectives of adults with hearing impairment. Int J Audiol 2012; 51 (02) 93-102
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 45 Debevc M, Zmavc M, Boretzki M. et al. Effectiveness of a self-fitting tool for user-driven fitting of hearing aids. Int J Environmental Research Publich Health 2021
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 46 Powers TA, Carr K. MarkeTrak 2022: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Hearing Healthcare. The Hearing Review; 2022
    Google Scholar
  • 47 Powers T, Carr A. MarkeTrak 2022: naviagting the changing landscape of hearing healthcare. Hearing Review. 2022; 29 (05) 12-17
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 48 Eikelboom RH, Bennett RJ, Manchaiah V. et al. International survey of audiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: use of and attitudes to telehealth. Int J Audiol 2022; 61 (04) 283-292
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 49 Gotowiec S, Larsson J, Incerti P. et al. Understanding patient empowerment along the hearing health journey. Int J Audiol 2022; 61 (02) 148-158
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 50 Timmer BHB, Hickson L, Launer S. The use of ecological momentary assessment in hearing research and future clinical applications. Hear Res 2018; 369: 24-28
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 51 Jenstad LM, Singh G, Boretzki M. et al. Ecological momentary assessment: a field evaluation of subjective ratings of speech in noise. Ear Hear 2021; 42 (06) 1770-1781
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 52 Latimer T, Roscamp J, Papanikitas A. Patient-Centredness and Consumerism in Healthcare: An Ideological Mess. The Royal Society of Medicine; 2017: 425-427
    Google Scholar
  • 53 MBS Online. MBS Telehealth Services from January 2022; Factsheets on ongoing MBS Telehealth Arrangements: Australian Government: Department of Health and Aged Care; 2022 [updated April 11, 2022]. Accessed May 15, 2023 at:: http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-Telehealth-Arrangements-Jan22
    PubMed
  • 54 Hearing Services Program. Provider Factsheet - Telehealth in the Program Australian Government: Department of Health. No Date [cited 2022]. Accessed May 15, 2023 at: https://hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/prof/deliveringservices/provider_factsheets/provider%20factsheet%20-%20telehealth%20in%20the%20program/!ut/p/z0/jY7BTsMwEER_xRxyrNZEoeIaIRXR0FYcQMGXyE038baundpLgL_H7YFWAiEuK83b0cyAghqU0yP1msk7bZN-VdOmerqZXj_IvLp9Wc1kWS6fH-ezIpf3BcxB_W1ICbQ9HFQJqvWO8YOhNtGLk3CcyeFtbanNpPF7TBd1INc3Q_AdxnhaETO5QUsjHj8Rw0gtJpYsI20wNJ1uORpEvoDiG4qJYLSYgi0bQU6wQZFsfdD747o8LO4WPahBs5mQ6zzUP9ug_qXtDP_ZNuzU-vO9vPoClFj0bQ!!/.]
    PubMed
  • 55 DLA Piper. Telehealth around the world: A global guide, 2020. [cited 2022]. Accessed May 15, 2023 at: https://www.dlapiper.com/~/media/files/insights/publications/2020/12/dla-piper-global-telehealth-guide-december-2020.pdf
    PubMed
  • 56 Ferguson M, Sucher CM, Maidment D, Bennett R, Eikelboom R. Remote technologies to enhance service delivery for adults: clinical research perspectives. Semin Hear 2023; 44 (03) 328-350
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 57 Al-Saggaf Y. The Use of Data Mining by Private Health Insurance Companies and Customers' Privacy. Bioethics and Information Technology; 2015: 281-293
    Google Scholar
  • 58 Convery E, Keidser G, Hickson L, Meyer C. Factors associated with successful setup of a self-fitting hearing aid and the need for personalized support. Ear Hear 2019; 40 (04) 794-804
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar