Investigating barriers and enablers to hearing aid take-up and use by older adults with hearing loss – a focus group study

Key Points

• The study aims to identify the barriers and enablers affecting hearing aid take-up and usage among older adults with hearing loss.
• Focus groups conducted with older adults to explore their experiences with hearing aids.
• Analysis of prevalent themes regarding hearing aid acceptance and usage.
• Theory-informed approach to develop behavioral interventions based on findings.
• Identified key barriers such as stigma and cost impacting hearing aid take-up.
• Recognized enablers including peer support and improved awareness as critical for increasing usage.
• Suggestions for targeted behavioral interventions to address these factors in future studies.