Acceptance of internet-based hearing healthcare among adults who fail a hearing screening

<i>Objective</i>: This study measured help-seeking readiness and acceptance of existing internet-based hearing healthcare (IHHC) websites among a group of older adults who failed a hearing screening (Phase 1). It also explored the effects of brief training on participants’ acceptance of IHHC (Phase 2). <i>Study sample</i>: Twenty-seven adults (age 55+) who failed a hearing screening participated. <i>Design</i>: During Phase 1 participants were administered the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) and patient technology acceptance model (PTAM) Questionnaire. During Phase 2 participants were randomly assigned to a training or control group. Training group participants attended an instructional class on existing IHHC websites. The control group received no training. The PTAM questionnaire was re-administered to both groups 4–6 weeks following the initial assessment. <i>Results</i>: The majority of participants were either considering or preparing to do something about their hearing loss, and were generally accepting of IHHC websites (Phase 1). The participants who underwent brief IHHC training reported increases in hearing healthcare knowledge and slight improvements in computer self-efficacy (Phase 2). <i>Conclusion</i>s: Older adults who fail hearing screenings may be good candidates for IHHC. The incorporation of a simple user-interface and short-term training may optimize the usability of future IHHC programs for this population.

研究目的：本研究针对未通过听力筛查的老年人群体，评估其求助准备度与对现有互联网听力保健（internet-based hearing healthcare, IHHC）网站的接受程度（第一阶段）；同时探究简短培训对参与者接受IHHC的影响（第二阶段）。
研究样本：共27名年龄55岁及以上、未通过听力筛查的成年人参与本研究。
研究设计：第一阶段，向参与者发放罗德岛大学改变量表（University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, URICA）与患者技术接受模型（patient technology acceptance model, PTAM）问卷。第二阶段，将参与者随机分配至培训组与对照组：培训组参与者参与针对现有IHHC网站的指导课程，对照组则不接受任何培训。在初始评估完成后的4至6周，向两组参与者再次发放PTAM问卷。
研究结果：第一阶段结果显示，多数参与者正考虑或准备针对自身听力损失采取行动，且总体上对IHHC网站持接受态度。第二阶段结果表明，接受过IHHC简短培训的参与者在听力保健知识方面有所提升，计算机自我效能感亦有小幅改善。
研究结论：未通过听力筛查的老年人群体或可成为IHHC的优质目标受众。为该群体设计未来的IHHC项目时，融入简洁的用户界面并辅以短期培训，或可优化其使用体验。