Study on Use of Bluetooth Technology in Hearing Aids among Adults

Abstract

Background: Hearing is one of the key features of communication. Hearing aids are prescribed when a person suffers from hearing loss. There have been many updates in the technology of hearing aids like speech enhancements, Noise reduction, microphone focus but still some people find difficulty in listening to phone calls and media streaming. Integration of Bluetooth technology with hearing aids is giving a satisfactory response and helping hearing aid users to overcome existing challenges with mobile phones. Objective: To measure the satisfaction level of hearing aid users with the use of Bluetooth technology. Method: Quantitative, Cross-sectional study was conducted 20 Audiology clinics across Delhi and National Capital Region for a period of 1 year. A total of 55 samples were taken in the study from the clinics for a duration of 1 year. Pre-tested questionnaire was used for collecting the data and face to face interviews were conducted. Results: Bluetooth streaming when used with the hearing aids, participants reported a significant improvement on multiple parameters improved listening on phone calls in both quiet and noisy environments, lesser repetitions, improved, music listening, confident in using hearing aids in public places, better listening over video calling and extended wearing time. Conclusion: Hearing aids with Bluetooth technology is becoming an essential aspect of hearing aid. His has been building confidence of using hearing aids and increasing wearing time. Bluetooth hearing aids are also providing a solution to the limitation of using personal listening devices.