Assessment of satisfaction and benefit with hearing aids procured under hearing device dispensing unit (HDDU) of AIISH, Mysuru

Abstract Purpose: Hearing aid technology has advanced rapidly in recent years; however, user uptake and continued use largely depend on perceived benefit and satisfaction. This study aimed to assess these factors among adult hearing aid users who received their devices through a patient benefit scheme offered exclusively at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru. Perceived benefit and satisfaction were measured using a quantitative self-report questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 participants aged 41–70 years completed a 32-item questionnaire assessing satisfaction across three domains: 15 listening-related, nine product-related, and eight dispenser-related factors. The sample was diverse in terms of age, gender, education, employment status, hearing aid type and laterality, geographical location, and degree of hearing loss. Results: Overall satisfaction and perceived benefit did not significantly differ across demographic or clinical groups, indicating consistently high user satisfaction. However, certain individual factors were influenced by specific variables. Education level was associated with satisfaction in music listening. The type of hearing aid affected users’ perceptions of soft sounds, cosmetic appeal, and ease of handling. Laterality of hearing aid use impacted experiences with directional hearing and listening while chewing or swallowing. The degree of hearing loss influenced the ability to understand speech at a distance, during television viewing, and in group conversations. Additionally, age, gender, and education were found to influence satisfaction with the hearing aid warranty. A moderate positive correlation was observed between daily usage, years of hearing aid experience, and overall satisfaction. Conclusion: Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with both their hearing aids and the services received, with particularly positive feedback on dispenser-related aspects. These findings highlight the importance of implementing schemes like the hearing device dispensing unit at a national level, as well as the critical role of personalized care in hearing aid provision to improve user satisfaction and overall outcomes.