THE SATISFACTION WITH AMPLIFICATION IN DAILY LIFE (SADL) IN DIFFERENT TYPES AND DEGREES OF HEARING LOSS

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the satisfaction level of hearing aids users in different types and degrees of hearing loss using the satisfaction with amplification in daily life (SADL) questionnaire. Methods: 35 hearing aid users with different types of hearing loss who sought help from the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM) Hearing and Speech Clinic at Jalan Hospital Campus, Kuantan, IIUM Medical Specialist Centre and private hearing aid centres were involved in this study. The data was collected from the participants who filled in the Malay SADL questionnaires. Results: Among the thirty-five (31) participants, most of the hearing aid users were satisfied with their hearing aids regardless of their different types of hearing loss. However, there was no significant difference between the different types of hearing loss and their satisfaction level in the SADL global score and each of the subscales. It was found that satisfaction level with the hearing aids may depend on several factors such as cosmetic preference, cost of hearing aid and audiologist competence. Meanwhile, in terms of degrees of hearing loss, majority of the users were relatively satisfied with their hearing aids. Yet, there was no correlation between hearing aid users’ satisfaction level and their degrees of hearing loss for all subscales and SADL global score. Conclusions: This study indicates that some hearing aid users are not satisfied in terms of feedback, telephone use, cosmetic appearance and costs of hearing aid. The findings of this study can benefit the audiologists, as they would be able to use the information to help future patients understand and adapt to the use of the hearing aids better.