Factors affecting help seeking and hearing aid use for hearing impairment in older adults

Hearing impairments are among the most common health problems affecting seniors, but many people delay or avoid seeking help, leading to decreased quality of life, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Despite advances in hearing aid technology, adoption and consistent use among older adults remains poor. This study aims to investigate multifaceted factors that influence help-seeking behavior and subsequent hearing aid use for hearing impairments in older adults. The research will use a mixed methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to help-seeking and device adoption. Factors such as demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, stigma, health literacy, access to healthcare, and perceptions of hearing loss and device effectiveness will be analyzed. The study will also explore the role of family support, cultural beliefs, and healthcare provider interactions in shaping these behaviors.