Hearing aid expectations among Chinese first-time users: Relationships to post-fitting satisfaction

Abstract

This study examines pre-fitting expectations of hearing aid performance, problems, cost and upkeep, and dispenser service by 36 Chinese speaking first-time hearing aid users (mean age = 66 years). The mean average hearing threshold of the group was 54 dB HL. Prior to aid fitting, participants expected good aided performance, few problems, low cost and good service. Expectations about performance in different situations were significantly related to each other, as were various service quality descriptions. Expectations about specific problems and cost did not correlate. The relationship between pre-fitting expectations and satisfaction measured at 3 months post-fitting was subsequently investigated. Greatest post-fitting satisfaction was noted for service quality items and listening in easy situations and lowest satisfaction was evident for difficult listening situations. Pre-fitting expectations did not correlate with general satisfaction with hearing aids or dispenser service. Higher expected ability to hear in noise and television/radio was associated with higher satisfaction post-fitting in same situations. Expectations of fewer problems in appearance pre-fitting were related to satisfaction with the dispenser post-fitting. Higher expectation of the dispenser's communication ability was related to satisfaction with communication with the dispenser in the long-term. Overall, the results of this study indicated that pre-fitting expectations do not have a strong association with post-fitting satisfaction.