Consumer and audiologist perspectives on hearables: a qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Audiology and Hearing Science
• Consumer Health Technology

Background:

• Hearables, defined as non-medical personal sound amplification products, are increasingly considered by individuals with hearing difficulties.
• Understanding user needs and professional perspectives is crucial for integrating hearables into hearing healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the needs and desires of adults with hearing difficulties regarding hearables.
• To understand hearing care professionals' views on hearables and their role in provision.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory qualitative study using separate focus groups.
• Participants included 12 adults with hearing difficulties and 6 audiologists.
• Inductive analysis using reflexive thematic analysis was employed.

Main Results:

• Adults with hearing difficulties desire trustworthy information, support, and evaluate hearables based on personal criteria, with budget flexibility for quality.
• Audiologists perceive hearables as inferior yet useful tools, express uncertainty about their role, and find current provision impractical.

Conclusions:

• Adults with hearing difficulties may have complex needs for hearables and require significant clinical support.
• Further research on hearable efficacy, effectiveness, and clinical integration strategies is warranted.