Hearing aid effect in older females.

Abstract

Surveys have revealed that nonusers of hearing aids frequently hold negative perceptions of hearing aid users (the "hearing aid effect"). This study involved the use of both objective and subjective approaches in measuring the perceptions of older females toward hearing aid wearers. Twenty older females rated an aided and unaided peer after reading to them. Between-group differences were insignificant for objective measures (vocal intensity, reading time) and two subjective measures (age, attractiveness). However, the older females perceived their aided peers significantly more negatively than their unaided peers on measures of confidence, intelligence, and friendliness. This negative perception also surfaced in females who were unaware of the hearing aids, suggesting that a negative self-image by hearing aid wearers may contribute to the hearing aid effect.