09-12, 09:30–10:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Hearing Aids 1
Objective: The aim was to evaluate hearing aid satisfaction and patient performance in geriatric patients using hearing aids using the APHAB-TR questionnaire.
Method: Patients aged ≥ 65 years, with no reading or writing problems, using unilateral or bilateral hearing aids, using hearing aids for at least 6 weeks, and using hearing aids for at least 1 hour per day were included. The study used the Turkish version of the APHAB assessment questionnaire, defined by Cox and Alexander (1995) and widely used in the literature.
Results: A total of 81 patients, 38 females (46.9%) and 43 males (53.1%), were included in the study. Statistical significance was observed except for the discomfort (AV scale) subscale.
Conclusion: The APHAB satisfaction questionnaire was found to be a reliable instrument and can assess the benefit and satisfaction derived from hearing aids. This questionnaire can be easily administered in primary healthcare centers. This will enable the follow-up of a larger number of patients using hearing aids. Geriatric patients with low hearing aid satisfaction can be identified early and referred to reference centers, thus improving their quality of life.
Dr. Fakih Cihat Eravcı, born in Konya, Turkey, completed his medical degree at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 2011 and specialized in Otorhinolaryngology at Gazi University, Ankara in 2017. His clinical and research focus lies in otology, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for ear disease diagnostics. Dr. Eravcı has gained international experience at institutions such as Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University. He has authored over 40 scientific articles and has led multiple research projects, including TÜBİTAK-funded projects. Since February 2023, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at Necmettin Erbakan University and as Deputy Chief Physician of the University Hospital since January 2024.
