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Purpose: This study evaluated the feasibility of using wearable sensors to assess listening-related stress in varying listening difficulties. The results were compared to listening effort assessed using laboratory-grade physiological measures. We hypothesized that these wearable sensors could accurately measure listening-related stress and that the results would be in the same direction as those observed with laboratory-grade equipment. Method: A within-subject repeated-measures study was conducted on 16 young adults with typical hearing ability. Participants wore three commercially available sensors to record heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and galvanic skin response (GSR). Participants' listening-related stress was assessed using self-report, wearable sensors, and laboratory-grade physiological measures while listening to sentences in noise. Listening conditions were manipulated in terms of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs; -4, 0, +4, and +8 dB SNR), sentence predictability (high and low), and stress-inducing negative feedback (flash of light and monetary punishers). Results: On average, participants reported higher arousal and task load with decreasing SNR, for low predictability, and with negative feedback. Participants had significantly higher HR and RR in difficult listening conditions, when measured with wearable sensors. However, no significant differences were observed for skin conductance. There was a good agreement between the measures for HR but not for RR and GSR. Conclusions: Although wearable sensors have potential in reflecting changes in listening effort, the results were not consistent with laboratory-grade measures. Methodological choices in both measures and design appear to affect outcomes. Future studies should focus on crafting designs appropriate to wearable devices to reflect changes in listening-related stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While targeted rehabilitation can enhance hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE), little research has been done to determine the factors contributing to its predictive value. By investigating the experiences of individuals who successfully use HAs and have high levels of HASE, we hoped to illuminate specific strategies and/or sources of support these individuals share that might explain why high HASE is often linked to successful outcomes. This qualitative study explored the experiences of five older adults who were successful HA users and reported having high HASE. Semi-structured interview guides were developed using the transtheoretical model of behavioral change as a framework. Interviews were analyzed thematically and holistically. Participants attributed their HA success to: intrinsic motivation to improve their hearing, confident self-reliance when making health decisions, willingness to act on advice from trusted others, pro-social personal attributes, positive expectations about HA outcomes, and actively pursuing an optimal HA outcome. For these participants, internal factors related to emotional state and source of motivation, and, to a lesser extent, verbal persuasion played a crucial role in their long-term success. This suggests that external influencers might be less impactful in facilitating success for those with high HASE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveDesign & study sampleResultsConclusionsThis study explored whether select patient attributes were significant predictors of readiness to pursue hearing aids (HAs) and estimated the impacts of hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE) and emotional states, on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs.Sixty-two adults with self-reported hearing difficulties and no previous experience with HAs self-reported their hearing handicap, HASE, personality, emotional states in varying contexts, and readiness to pursue HAs.Individuals with greater hearing handicap and who had experienced hearing loss for a shorter duration were more ready to pursue HAs. Having higher HASE, more positive emotional states in “Social” situations, higher scores for the Agreeableness, and having lower Conscientiousness personality trait scores also independently predicted readiness. Neither HASE nor reported emotional states had a significant impact on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs.Certain patient characteristics independently motivate people towards or away from pursuing HAs. However, it remains unclear whether targeted modification of these attributes would directly facilitate behaviour change. Future research should further explore these questions to facilitate a more individualised audiologic rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to clarify the associations between Hearing Aid Self-efficacy (HASE) and other traits such as working memory, personality and hearing aid (HA) experience. Fifty-four adults (both naïve and experienced HA users) were included in this exploratory descriptive study. Their working memory, personality, HASE, HA experience and practical HA skills were evaluated. HA experience had a significant positive association with self-efficacy for basic and advanced HA handling abilities. Working memory and personality traits were not related to HASE. For the experienced HA users, HASE was not related to HA skills. However, the openness personality trait had a significant positive association with HA skills. The positive association between HASE and HA experience supported the theory that HASE might be improved through mastery experiences. Possessing certain cognitive abilities or specific personality traits is not a prerequisite for having high HASE. This study also supports previous findings that HASE is not related to HA skills, bringing into question whether improving HASE will also improve HA outcomes. However, for experienced participants, aspects of personality and cognition might play a role in mediating the association between HASE and HA skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]