Association between satisfaction with hearing aid use and quality of life among elderly individuals with hearing loss

Background: Hearing loss is a common condition during the aging process. Improving hearing loss through hearing aids may impact satisfaction and the quality of life of elderly individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the association between Hearing Aid Use Satisfaction (HAUS) and the quality of life among the elderly with hearing loss in Gorgan, Iran. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional investigation conducted in ۲۰۱۹ at the health insurance office in Gorgan, Iran. The study included elderly individuals aged over ۶۰ who were fitted with hearing aids. Sixty subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were conveniently selected. The assessment tools included a demographics checklist, the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) scale, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-۱۲). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-۱۸ and involved the Chi-squared test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation coefficient. A significance level of P < ۰.۰۵ was considered. Results: The participants' mean age was ۷۶.۸۵±۸.۱۶, falling within the age range of ۷۵-۸۹. The average satisfaction score for the use of the HAUS was ۶۳.۹۰±۱۱.۰۷. A significant statistical association was observed between HAUS and economic status (P=۰.۰۳), the type of hearing aid used (P=۰.۰۲۴), and the level of daily hearing aid usage (P=۰.۰۰۰۱). With an increase in the number of hours of hearing aid use, the mean satisfaction score also showed an increase. The mean score for the quality of life among the elderly individuals was ۳۲.۷۷±۲.۰۲, and no correlation was observed between satisfaction with HA use and quality of life (r=۰.۰۶۸, P=۰.۵۱۱). Conclusion: The findings suggest that hearing aid devices can enhance the satisfaction and quality of life of elderly individuals, thereby increasing their engagement in daily activities.