Can Older Adults’ Health Beliefs Predict Their Using of Hearing Aids? The Health Belief Model as a Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Background: Older adults, seek (or do not seek) hearing healthcare, are not always aware of the magnitude of their hearing loss. Sometimes, they do not believe they would benefit from using a hearing aid. They often have low Self-Efficacy and fear from not having the skills to learn new things (e.g., how to handle the hearing aids)

Objectives: This study aims to (1) identify factors predicting Self-Efficacy for using hearing aids, and (2) investigate the differences in the HBM constructs among the groups of marital status, level of education, general health, gender, using hearing aid, and having diabetes mellitus.

Material and Methods: The researcher used a descriptive predictive correlational design. The study included a convenience sample of 306 older adults who were recruited from two geriatric homes. The study instrument includes participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, medical profile, and the Hearing Beliefs Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social science.

Outcomes: Participants’ age and Perceived Barriers negatively predict their Self-Efficacy for using hearing aids. Cues-to-Action and Perceived Susceptibility positively predicted more Self-Efficacy for using hearing aids. There are statistically significant differences in the Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, and Perceived Self-Efficacy among the level of education groups.

Conclusions: The younger the age and the lesser the Perceived Barriers, the greater the Self-Efficacy of using hearing aids. The greater the Cues-to-Action and Perceived Susceptibility, the greater the Self-Efficacy for using hearing aids.