PURPOSE: The visibility of open ear (OE) styles of hearing instruments was rigorously investigated for their potential to reduce the stigma of wearing hearing aids. METHOD: Three groups of 50 young adults (150 total) rated the visibility of 6 hearing aid styles-OE, invisible completely-in-the-canal (CIC), mini in-the-canal (m-ITC), half- and full-shell in-the-ear (ITE), and behind-the-ear (BTE)-worn by a peer model with revealing hairstyle, photographed from 2 ft and at 3 different angles (45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 135 degrees). RESULTS: CIC was rated significantly most "invisible" at 45 degrees and 90 degrees, OE and m-ITC were next at those angles, and OE and BTE were least invisible at 135 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have implications for counseling potential users who are reluctant to try hearing aids for cosmetic reasons.
PURPOSE: The visibility of open ear (OE) styles of hearing instruments was rigorously investigated for their potential to reduce the stigma of wearing hearing aids. METHOD: Three groups of 50 young adults (150 total) rated the visibility of 6 hearing aid styles-OE, invisible completely-in-the-canal (CIC), mini in-the-canal (m-ITC), half- and full-shell in-the-ear (ITE), and behind-the-ear (BTE)-worn by a peer model with revealing hairstyle, photographed from 2 ft and at 3 different angles (45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 135 degrees). RESULTS: CIC was rated significantly most "invisible" at 45 degrees and 90 degrees, OE and m-ITC were next at those angles, and OE and BTE were least invisible at 135 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have implications for counseling potential users who are reluctant to try hearing aids for cosmetic reasons.
Authors: Philip Zazove; Melissa A Plegue; Michael M McKee; Melissa DeJonckheere; Paul R Kileny; Lauren S Schleicher; Lee A Green; Ananda Sen; Mary E Rapai; Elie Mulhem Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2020-11 Impact factor: 5.166
Authors: Tara Rachakonda; Donna B Jeffe; Jennifer J Shin; Leila Mankarious; Robert J Fanning; Marci M Lesperance; Judith E C Lieu Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2013-10-02 Impact factor: 3.325
Authors: Walter Wittich; Sarah Granberg; Moa Wahlqvist; M Kathleen Pichora-Fuller; Elina Mäki-Torkko Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-01-25 Impact factor: 2.692