By Jimmy Frank Tarimo, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy

Abstract

Auditory disorder is one of the wide spreading health problems which affect large population of children and adult around the globe. In attempt to help the victims to improve hearing abilities, digital hearing aids are increasingly gaining acceptance in many countries including Tanzania. This study was motivated to assess the efficiency of using this innovative technology in improving hearing abilities among youth with auditory disorders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study adopted a case study research design with a sample of 480 youth with auditory disorder users of digital hearing aid who were selected using purposive sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analysed by means of quantitative method (descriptive analysis and Spearman rank correlation analysis) and qualitative method (contents analysis). The results showed that digital hearing devices had positive effect in improving hearing abilities and social interactions among youth with auditory disorder in Dar es Salaam. However, effect was highly dependent on the type and severity of auditory disorder. The youth who suffered mild hearing loss and moderate hearing loss acknowledged that digital hearing devices had high abilities in controlling sound signals, filtering sound features and reducing background noise. In contrast, youth under severe hearing loss and profound hearing loss acknowledged low ability of the devices in controlling sound signals, filtering sound features and reducing background noise. The study concluded that the efficacy of the digital hearing aids for youth with auditory disorder in Dar es Salaam depends on the type and severity of auditory disorders. Therefore, for enhancing the efficacy of the digital hearing devices in enhancing the hearing abilities and social interaction of the youth victims of the auditory disorder, the design and use of the devices should consider the history of individuals on the type and severity of auditory disorder.

Keywords: Auditory Disorder, Digital Hearing Aids, youth.

Download the full Research Work: Tarimo, J. F. (2024). The Efficacy of Digital Hearing Aids for Youth with Auditory Disorder in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. SAERA