DURHAM, N.C., June 5 (UPI) -- A Duke University study suggests hearing aids are underused, with only 1-in-5 people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually owning one.
Although hearing loss can contribute to strained relationships with family and friends, depression and even a deterioration of basic well-being, of the 1-in-5 owning a hearing aid, only one-third use them.
The findings stem from a literature review conducted by the Medical Technology Assessment Working Group at Duke University.
Approximately 6 million people in the United States use a hearing aid, most for treating moderate hearing loss, but 35 percent to 50 percent of hearing aid users are not satisfied, the study found.
The Duke scientists suggest hearing aids are being underused, in part, because of social attitudes reflecting misunderstandings about hearing loss, including the belief that hearing loss is inevitable later in life.
"One area of critical need is understanding the barriers to hearing aid use that contribute to irregular use of hearing devices by those who have them," said Professor Linda George, leader of the study. "Until these areas are better understood, continued innovations in hearing aid devices will be hampered."
