Public Perspectives and Communication Strategies towards Hearing Aids Users: A Cross-Sectional Study in Egypt

Waly, Eman; Elbeltagy, Reem

doi:10.21608/ejcm.2022.119401.1204

Public Perspectives and Communication Strategies towards Hearing Aids Users: A Cross-Sectional Study in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Eman Waly ¹
Reem Elbeltagy ²

¹ Associate Professor of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Sharkia, Egypt

² Associate Professor of Audiovestibular Medicine, Ear-Nose-Throat Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.

10.21608/ejcm.2022.119401.1204

Abstract

Background: The quality of life of hearing-impaired individuals can be greatly improved by hearing aids. However, there is a negative stigma about hearing aids for various reasons including social issues. Aim: This study aimed to assess the public perspectives and awareness of basic communication strategies towards hearing aids users among the Egyptian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on the Egyptian population who were enlisted through convenience sampling. Chi-square test was calculated to measure the association of public perspectives and communication strategies towards hearing aids users with demographic and personal characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of good communication strategies intended to be practiced with hearing aids users. Results: 29.7% and 46.1% of the studied sample had average and good perspectives towards hearing aids users, and 27.1% and 49% of them had average and good awareness about communication strategies towards hearing aids users. Logistic regression analysis presented that the younger aged participants, workers in the medical sector, and those who were not having a close person wearing hearing aids were the significant independent predictors of good communication strategies towards hearing aids users. Conclusion: This study revealed good public perspectives and awareness of communication strategies towards hearing aids users, however, it is insufficient. Hence, raising the awareness of public about the importance of hearing aids for hearing-impaired individuals and basic communication strategies towards hearing aids users are recommended.

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