Attitudes towards hearing difficulties, health-seeking behaviour, and hearing aid use among older adults in Thailand

Panicha Pornprasit; Nattawan Utoomprurkporn; Poonsub Areekit; Pornnapat Manum; Sutatta Thanutammakul; Bhavisha Parmar; Joy Adamson; Doris Bamiou

doi:10.3389/fdgth.2023.1075502

Attitudes towards hearing difficulties, health-seeking behaviour, and hearing aid use among older adults in Thailand

Front Digit Health. 2024 Jan 10:5:1075502. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1075502. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
² Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
³ Sound Lab, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
⁴ Faculty of Brain Science, UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
⁵ Department of Health Science, University of York, York, United Kingdom.
⁶ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Hearing and Deafness, London, United Kingdom.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

Introduction: This qualitative study explores older adults' attitudes towards hearing difficulties, health-seeking behaviour and hearing aid use in Samutprakarn, Thailand.

Method: Three focus groups (n=25), with adults aged 60-88 years, were conducted within a residential complex for older adults. Qualitative data analysis, employing a phenomenological approach was completed.

Results: Four themes are presented: (1) Perception of hearing difficulties, (2) Experience of receiving care, (3) Attitudes towards wearing hearing aids, and (4) Raising awareness of hearing difficulties in older adults. Findings indicate that Thai older adults may not be aware or accepting of their hearing difficulties, due to the stigma associated hearing loss, older age, and disability. The consequential impact of these unacknowledged issues manifest in communication challenges and the adoption of avoidance behaviours across diverse situational contexts.

Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of how Thai older adults perceive hearing problems and ear care. Findings underscore the potential pivotal role of familial and social networks in mitigating barriers associated with hearing difficulties among older adults in Thailand. These insights can raise awareness and inform effective management for older adults and their families. Additionally, the findings could guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policy makers, fostering improved care for this demographic.

Keywords: audiology; health seeking behaviour; hearing aids; hearing loss; older adult health; stigma awareness.

Grants and funding

BP was funded by NIHR programme grant for applied research [201608]. The activities were conducted with Ratchadapiseksompotch Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, grant number RA-MF-14/66, RA-MF-02/66 and GA-66/15. Supported by funding from the British Council's Going Global Partnerships programme: Thai-UK world class university consortium catalyst grant.