183 - Bridging the Gap in Hearing Care Accessibility: Technology, Perception, and Adoption

Despite increased availability of hearing devices, their adoption remains disappointingly low globally. This week, joined by Dr. Sophie Brice and Dr. Brent Edwards, Andrew Bellavia leads a discussion on global accessibility in hearing care, shedding light on the reasons behind the gap, focusing not only on those diagnosed with hearing loss but also individuals encountering situational struggles. Tailored approaches catering to diverse needs and perceptions are crucial for boosting adoption rates. The discussion emphasizes leveraging tele-audiology, AI-driven recommendations, and innovative support strategies to bridge this gap effectively. Dr. Edwards, Director of the National Acoustic Laboratories, sheds light on the complexities of user satisfaction, highlighting the substantial time audiologists invest in counseling. Professional shortages pose a barrier, prompting a reevaluation of access policies. Dr. Brice, digital health scientist and teleaudiologist, underscores the significance of offering supportive options instead of disregarding reports of hearing difficulties outright. Valuable insights emerge from understanding why some decline hearing devices. Their advocacy focuses on disseminating adaptable, high-quality care through varied channels. While the road to widespread accessibility might be long, the positive impact on millions with hearing needs justifies the efforts undertaken. Join us as we unravel the potential of accessible hearing care and its transformative impact on individuals worldwide. Resources: 1) Editorial in AudioXpress breaking down OTC hearing aid adoption in the first year 2) TWiH interview with Dr. Janice Trent of ASHA discussing their recent OTC survey. The ASHA OTC study itself 3) TWiH episode on telehealth with De Wet Swanepoel and Vinaya Manchaiah 4) Paper: Emerging Technologies, Market Segments, and MarkeTrak 10 Insights in Hearing Health Technology 5) Paper: Reasons for the non-use of hearing aids: perspectives of non-users, past users, and family members 6) Paper: Behavior Change in Chronic Health: Reviewing What We Know, What Is Happening, and What Is Next for Hearing Loss 7) TWiH episode with Dr. Victor Bray discussing shortage of audiologists Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and Twitter. https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/