학술논문
Attitudes towards hearing difficulties, health-seeking behaviour, and hearing aid use among older adults in Thailand.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Pornprasit P; Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.; Utoomprurkporn N; Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.; Areekit P; Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.; Manum P; Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.; Thanutammakul S; Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.; Parmar B; Sound Lab, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.; Faculty of Brain Science, UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.; Adamson J; Department of Health Science, University of York, York, United Kingdom.; Bamiou D; Faculty of Brain Science, UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Hearing and Deafness, London, United Kingdom.
Source
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101771889 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2673-253X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 2673253X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Front Digit Health Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
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.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(© 2024 Pornprasit, Utoomprurkporn, Areekit, Manum, Thanutammakul, Parmar, Adamson and Bamiou.)
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.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(© 2024 Pornprasit, Utoomprurkporn, Areekit, Manum, Thanutammakul, Parmar, Adamson and Bamiou.)