A comparison of self-assessed satisfaction among wearers of dentures, hearing aids, and eyeglasses

Patient assessment of dental prostheses, hearing aids, and eyeglasses can provide valuable data regarding adaptability of geriatric patients. This article describes a cross-modality evaluation of patient satisfaction with dental, hearing, and vision prostheses. Three hundred ninety-one subjects with recently placed prostheses were evaluated for self-assessed satisfaction and other related information. Patient satisfaction was compared with, age, type of prosthesis, and level of impairment. No statistical evidence of an age-related dissatisfaction with prostheses was found. Significant differences in levels of satisfaction were noted between different types of prostheses. Irrespective of level of impairment, patients expressed greatest satisfaction with dental prostheses and least satisfaction with hearing aids.