Exploring the User Requirement Features in a Hearing Aid Selection Mobile Application According to Audiologists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss is a common impairment affecting millions worldwide. Despite availability of various hearing aid options and features, selecting most suitable hearing aid that meets patient's communication needs and provides the best quality of life remains a challenge. This study aims to explore audiologists' perceptions regarding user requirement features that should be incorporated into the design of a hearing aid selection mobile application.

Methods: This study was cross-sectional. A validated web-based questionnaire was electronically distributed. We included audiologists with at least one-year experience in hearing aid prescription/selection in Saudi Arabia. We administered a survey of 22 closed-ended questions divided into three categories: participant demographics, features, and perceptions regarding the mobile application.

Results: Data analysis was performed using the SPSS program to summarize the responses. In this study, 118 responses were collected. Individuals who were not audiologists (n=26) and had less than one year of experience (n=22) were excluded. Additionally, approximately 20 incomplete responses were excluded to maintain dataset integrity, resulting in a refined dataset of 51 responses. Participants' responses were categorized into three categories: essential, nice to have, and features suggested by participants. The essential features identified included pricing information, hearing aid trials, compatibility with different smartphones/operating systems, connecting with other users, insurance coverage, compatibility with hearing aid accessories, live chat features, and multi-language support.

Conclusion: The outcomes of this study are to automate the hearing aid selection process, improve selection accuracy, provide wider accessibility, and improve patient satisfaction. With this platform, both audiologists and clients will be able to make more informed decisions and save time and effort by using this application as opposed to the conventional process.