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SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article

Front. Aging
Sec. Interventions in Aging
Volume 5 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1299964

Impact of Hearing Rehabilitation Programs on Presbycusis Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Provisionally accepted
Zheng Zhanhang Zheng Zhanhang Shuhong Qin Shuhong Qin Li Ruilin Li Ruilin *Wang Wenjuan Wang Wenjuan Wu Chenxingzi Wu Chenxingzi
  • Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangx, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background In the field of audiology, numerous studies have sought to understand and improve hearing rehabilitation programs for older adults afflicted with presbycusis. Despite this, the field lacks uniform standards pertaining to the intervention methods, frequency, and duration of such programs. These discrepancies have led to varying test results and inconsistent findings across multiple studies. Objective This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hearing rehabilitation programs in enhancing the utilization of hearing aids among older adults with presbycusis. Methods We conducted a comprehensive exploration of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials assessing the role of hearing rehabilitation programs for patients with age-related hearing loss. The search period spanned from the inception of each database to September 12, 2024. Outcomes were synthesized using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 598 patients (290 in the intervention group and 308 in the control group). It was observed that hearing rehabilitation programs significantly diminished self-perceived hearing impairment [MD = -5.80, 95% CI = (-8.16, -3.44), P < 0.00001] and negative emotional states [MD = -1.66, 95% CI = (-3.02, -0.29), P = 0.02], while enhancing hearing aid utilization [MD = 0.22, 95% CI = (0.08, 0.36), P = 0.002]. Nonetheless, these programs did not significantly augment patients' satisfaction with their hearing aids [MD = 0.09, 95% CI = (-0.17, 0.26), P = 0.66]. Conclusion Hearing rehabilitation programs significantly improve hearing aid outcomes, reduce self-perceived hearing impairment, and alleviate negative emotional states in patients. However, the current body of evidence is insufficient to conclusively indicate that these programs enhance patient satisfaction with daily hearing aid usage.

    Keywords: age-related hearing loss, hearing aid efficacy, hearing rehabilitation program, Meta-analysis, Old adult

    Received: 23 Sep 2023; Accepted: 09 Oct 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Zhanhang, Qin, Ruilin, Wenjuan and Chenxingzi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Li Ruilin, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530001, Guangx, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.