Patient Sentiments Influencing Management Strategy for Single-sided Deafness.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2022

Publication Title

Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Assess opinions that influence treatment choice for single sided deafness (SSD).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

SETTING: Tertiary neurotology referral center.

PATIENTS: Patients with SSD were recruited between December 2020 and February 2021. Included patients were self-selected by voluntary completion of the study questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), and a questionnaire containing 25 areas of inquiry relevant to management strategy decision making.

RESULTS: In comparison to the surgical management group, patients opting for nonsurgical amplification were significantly more concerned about device visibility (p = 0.005, 1.32 ± 0.22 versus 2.67 ± 0.37), undergoing surgery (p = 0.017, 1.64 ± 0.23 versus 2.89 ± 0.51), and the thought of harboring an implanted device (p = 0.003, 1.46 ± 0.22 versus 2.82 ± 0.35). Patients with a major hearing handicap (grade 2-4) placed significantly less emphasis on out-of-pocket costs (p = 0.049, 2.38 ± 0.17 versus 2.94 ± 0.21) and were less concerned about experiencing discomfort from the device (p = 0.033, 3.13 ± 0.11 versus 3.56 ± 0.16) or ease of device use (p = 0.040, 3.20 ± 0.13 versus 3.63 ± 0.13) when compared with the minor handicap group.

CONCLUSIONS: Lingering concerns about device visibility, undergoing surgery, and harboring an implanted device underscore the need for thorough patient counseling during SSD device selection consultations. These efforts should aim to address esthetic and surgical risk concerns while emphasizing the potential for improvements in quality of life.

Volume

43

Issue

4

First Page

399

Last Page

407

DOI

10.1097/MAO.0000000000003492

ISSN

1537-4505

PubMed ID

35213474

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