Intention to use hearing aids: a survey based on the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the intention to use hearing aids (HAs) by applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB).DesignThe TPB is a widely used decision-making model based on three constructs hypothesized to influence the intention to perform a specific behavior; namely, “attitude toward the behavior”, “subjective norm”, and “behavioral control”. The survey was based on a TPB-specific questionnaire addressing factors relevant to HA provision.Study sampleData from 204 individuals reporting hearing problems were analyzed. Different subgroups were established according to the stage of their hearing help-seeking.ResultsThe TPB models’ outcome depended on the subgroup. The intention of those participants who had recognized their hearing problems but had not yet consulted an ear, nose, and throat specialist was largely dominated by the “subjective norm” construct, whereas those who had already consulted an ear, nose, and throat specialist or had already tried out HAs were significantly influenced by all constructs. The intention of participants who already owned HAs was clearly less affected by the “subjective norm” construct but was largely dominated by their “attitude toward HAs”.ConclusionThe intention to use HAs can be modeled on the basis of the constructs “attitude toward the behavior”, “subjective norm”, and “behavioral control”. Individual contribution of the constructs to the model depends on the patient’s stage of hearing help-seeking. The results speak well for counseling strategies that explicitly consider the individual trajectory of hearing help-seeking.

Self-determination theory and hearing rehabilitation: The role of motivation in help-seeking, hearing aid adoption and hearing aid fitting outcomes

“…To explore client behaviour in hearing health care, researchers have studied the applicability of theoretical models of health behaviour such as the health belief model , the transtheoretical model and the theory of planned behaviour to audiological rehabilitation (LaplanteLévesque, Hickson et al, 2014;Meister, Grugel, & Meis, 2014;Ferguson, Maidment, Russell, Gregory, & Nicholson, 2016;Saunders, Frederick, Silverman, Neilsen, & LaplanteLévesque, 2016). The focus of such theories is to summarise the constructs and techniques for understanding behaviour, and to provide a framework for conceptualising the ways these constructs and techniques influence behaviour (Michie, Johnson, Francis, Hardeman, & Eccles, 2008).…”

“…Meister et al (2014) used the theory of planned behaviour to study intention to use hearing aids in groups of (1) non-help-seekers, (2) help-seekers, (3) help-seekers trialling hearing aids, and (4) hearing aid adopters. The authors linked greater internalisation with increased likelihood of hearing aid adoption.…”

“…Recent studies by , Meister et al (2014) and have reported on internal and external factors that influenced hearing health behavior such as hearing aid adoption, although these factors were not characterized as contrasting types of motivation.…”

“…reported that support from significant others contributed to increased help-seeking and hearing aid adoption, and Meister et al (2014) found that expectations of or pressure from significant others was associated with increased hearing aid adoption.…”

“…Research that explores how health behavior models can predict and explain behavior and be integrated into clinical practice has therefore been called for (e.g., Saunders et al, 2012;. Consequently, several researchers have applied theoretical models of health behavior to explore the influence of behavioral factors on hearing rehabilitation decision-making and outcomes (e.g., Laplante-Lévesque, Saunders, Chisolm, & Wallhagen, 2012;Meister, Grugel, & Meis, 2014;Ferguson, Maidment, Russell, Gregory, & Nicholson, 2016;. These studies acknowledge motivation to be important for understanding hearing health behavior.…”