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Journal of Community Health
Published in: Journal of Community Health 4/2019

01-08-2019 | Care | Original Paper

Rural Adult Perspectives on Impact of Hearing Loss and Barriers to Care

Authors: Whitney Powell, Julie A. Jacobs, Wayne Noble, Matthew L. Bush, Claire Snell-Rood

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Adult hearing loss has a significant impact on communication and quality of life. In spite of effective methods of diagnosis and treatment, many rural adults face significant barriers and delays in accessing care. The purpose of this study is to characterize the impact of hearing loss and the barriers for hearing healthcare in rural adults. Using stratified purposeful sampling, the study design involved semi-structured phone interviews with adults in the Appalachian region of Kentucky between 2016 and 2017 to describe perceived susceptibility to hearing loss; knowledge of hearing loss; cues leading to help-seeking; barriers limited access to care; benefits of seeking help; and self-rated confidence in seeking treatment. Thematic qualitative analysis was performed to identify recurring content themes. Forty adults participated in the study. Participants reported susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss with infrequent hearing protection use. Participants described concern with hearing loss-related communication barriers that could affect compliance with medical care, employment performance, personal safety, and relationship communication. Rural adult expressed willingness to seek hearing healthcare but reported a lack of providers in rural areas. The cost and the lack of insurance coverage for hearing aids were the most clearly articulated obstacles influencing access to care. Hearing loss has a significant impact on adults in rural areas. A lack of providers and the overwhelming cost of treatment are barriers to care. Further research is needed to identify novel methods to support rural adults seeking affordable hearing healthcare.
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Metadata
Title
Rural Adult Perspectives on Impact of Hearing Loss and Barriers to Care
Authors
Whitney Powell
Julie A. Jacobs
Wayne Noble
Matthew L. Bush
Claire Snell-Rood
Publication date
01-08-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Care
Published in
Journal of Community Health / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00656-3

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