Evaluation of device satisfaction in patients using hearing aids with the aphap (Abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit) questionnaire

Purpose: Individuals using hearing aids often cannot get enough efficiency from the device they use. For this reason, it is important to investigate how satisfied individuals who use hearing aids. The aim of this study; is to evaluate the device use and satisfaction of patients with different levels of hearing loss and using devices. Method: In this study, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire consisting of 24 questions was applied in order to evaluate the satisfaction of hearing aids. The research was applied to 70 people with different types and degrees of hearing loss. In this study, in which 33 male and 37 female participants participated, the age of the participants are 18 and above. 30 people included in the study use only one earphone, and the remaining 40 people use hearing aids with both ears. The answers given to the questions of the applied questionnaire were evaluated with a Likert scale between 1-7 points and it was seen that those with high scores were more satisfied with the device. Results: The scores of people using hearing aids in their right ear are in the 3.20-4.81 band, the average scores of people using hearing aids in their left ear is between 3.20-4.81, and the average scores of people using hearing aids in their left ear are between 3.14 and 6.04. If one-sided hearing aids are to be used, there is no difference in determining either the right or left ear. People who use double-sided hearing aids have higher satisfaction scores than people who use single-sided hearing aids. There was no difference between the types of hearing loss in terms of satisfaction with the hearing aid. Conclusion: As the degree of hearing loss progresses from very mild to severe, it is seen that satisfaction decreases. If a unilateral device is to be used, it is seen that there is no difference between the right and left ear. Patient satisfaction increases at a higher rate with the use of bilateral hearing aids.