Hearing Care Outcomes and Technology Use in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Suen Jonathan, Wang Ethan, Betz Joshua, Morales Emmanuel Garcia, Trumbo Jami, Marrone Nicole, Han Hae-Ra, Nieman Carrie
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Does prior technology use affect the outcomes of hearing care interventions in older adults?
Conclusion
Prior technology use did not significantly modify the outcomes of the hearing care intervention among participants.
Supporting Evidence
- The number of older adults with hearing loss is expected to increase significantly by 2060.
- Adoption of hearing care strategies remains low despite the growing need.
- Participants classified as 'tech-connected' showed a greater decrease in communication impairments.
Takeaway
Older adults who use technology like smartphones may not have better results from hearing care interventions than those who don't.
Methodology
A secondary analysis of data from a community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Limitations
The study did not find statistically significant differences in outcomes based on prior technology use.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults with hearing loss and low income.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -17.6, -9.9 for tech-connected; 95% CI: -16.2, -5.2 for not tech-connected; 95% CI: -7.8, 4.1 for treatment effects.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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