The Indian context: an investigative study of assistive listening device usage and experiences among hearing aid users

Background: Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) augment the functionality of hearing aids and cochlear implants, facilitating enhanced auditory communication for individuals with hearing impairment and potentially improving their life quality. The limited popularity of ALDs within the Indian context necessitates an investigation into the factors influencing their underutilization. Methods: To address this, a survey assessing ALD awareness among Indian hearing aid users with at least one year of device usage was administered using a questionnaire. A total of 42 responses were collected and subjected to descriptive analysis. Results: The findings of the study revealed a predominant willingness among hearing aid users to discover ALDs and their advantages in daily activities. A segment of the cohort was already conversant with ALDs, whereas a minor fraction showed reluctance towards acquiring additional information. Conclusions: The obtained data indicates a requirement for further comprehensive research with a larger pool of data to understand the breadth of user dispositions and the motivation for the indifferent reception of ALDs in the Indian context.