Importance of formal education and family income in the accession process to the use of hearing devices in children under 12 years

PURPOSE:

to determine if the level of education and income of the guardians of children seen at the Hearing Health University Hospital, influences on the adherence to the use of hearing aids.

METHODS:

a retrospective study using a survey of secondary data in Supplementary Examination Laboratory University Hospital was conducted. Data on the type and degree of hearing loss, type of adaptation, family income and education of parents or guardians were verified. Adherence to the use of hearing aids was verified by the presence in annual consultation after discharge.

RESULTS:

105 patients were analyzed. 35(10,47%) cases reported to receive a minimum wage as a single income family, 54(51,4%) between one and three minimum wages, 4(3,8%) from three to 10 minimum wages and 12(11,4%) cases the information was not reported in the interview. Regarding the level of education of parents or guardians, 51(48,5%) had no formal education or at most elementary school, 39(37,1%) began or completed high school, 5(4,7%) began or completed a university degree and in 10(9,7%) cases there was no information. 94 patients adhered to the hearing aids, and 11 did not. There was no statistical significance between family income or education and the adherence to the use of hearing aids in children treated at University Hospital.

CONCLUSION:

the family income or education of parents or guardians does not influence the adherence to the use of hearing aids in children up to 12 years seen in University Hospital.

Hearing Loss; Social Assistance; Income; Education