More than 9 Out of 10 Consumers Say Hearing Aids Improve Quality of Life,
New Survey From Better Hearing Institute Reveals
Contact: Sergei Kochkin (703) 684-3391 or
Dan Fleshler
(212) 935-0210
Vast majority are satisfied with hearing aids’ effectiveness in different
listening situations, quality and clarity of sound and other measures
ALEXANDRIA, VA (September 6, 2005) — An overwhelming majority (93%)
of consumers with hearing devices say the devices have improved their quality
of life, according to a survey of more than 1500 consumers by the Better Hearing
Institute (BHI). Eighty five percent (85%) say they are satisfied with the benefits
they get from hearing aids.
“Our survey indicates that hearing aids
are among the most highly regarded products in the country today,” said
Sergei Kochkin, PhD, Executive Director of BHI. “Too many people cling
to the old, stubborn belief that wearing a hearing aid won’t help fix
their hearing problems. We hope this survey convinces them that once they
try hearing aids, their lives could dramatically improve.”
The survey found that the “overall customer satisfaction rating” was
71% for hearing aids that are less than six years old. This
was measured by responses to questions on the quality and clarity of the sound,
signal processing, value, reliability of the instrument, product features,
effectiveness in different listening situations, as well as the perceived
benefits of improved hearing. The complete consumer satisfaction study
is published in the September issue of The Hearing Journal.
Ninety
percent (90%) of the respondents said their hearing aids improved communication
in one-on-one situations and more than eight out of ten were satisfied by
the instruments’ performance in small groups and while watching television.
Three of four respondents were satisfied with their instruments when outdoors,
while listening to music, while participating in leisure activities, in the
car, at a house of worship and in a restaurant. The most difficult listening situations
were using a telephone, using a cell phone and in large group situations.
The
survey also indicates that modern technology and new refinements in hearing
devices enhance consumer satisfaction. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents used
digital --as opposed to analog--hearing devices and, among these, the overall
consumer satisfaction rating was 77%.
The respondents cited a number of specific
improvements to their quality of life because of hearing aids: more
effective communications (71%), better social life (56%) relationships at home
(55%) and in the work place (48%), improved emotional health (40%), improved mental/cognitive
ability (35%), even better physical health (24%).
When asked if they would
recommend hearing aids to their friends, 79% said they would and 73%
would recommend the person who fitted them with hearing aids. In general,
hearing care professionals received top marks, with a 92% satisfaction rating.
The
Better Hearing Institute, founded in 1973 and based in Alexandria, Virginia,
is a not-for-profit organization that educates the public about the neglected
problem of hearing loss and what can be done about it. It is working to:
- Erase
the stigma and end the embarrassment that prevents millions of people from
seeking help for hearing loss.
- Show the negative consequences of untreated
hearing loss for millions of Americans.
- Promote treatment and
demonstrate that this is a national problem that can be solved.
The consumer satisfaction study was based on a nationally representative survey
mailed in January, 2005, to 3,000 randomly selected owners of hearing aids
using the National Family Opinion Panel. To download a copy of “Consumer
Satisfaction with Hearing Aids in the Digital Age,” or to find out
more about BHI and solutions to hearing problems, visit the Better Hearing Institute
website at www.betterhearing.org.
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Founded in 1973, the Better Hearing Institute is a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to educate the public about hearing loss, its treatment and prevention. To receive a free copy of our 28 page booklet "Your Guide to Better Hearing," visit our website at www.betterhearing.org or call the Better Hearing Institute hotline at 1-800-EAR-WELL.
©2005 Better Hearing Institute. BHI does not endorse specific products or companies.
