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Review
. 2020 Feb;41(1):21-36.
doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1701243. Epub 2020 Feb 10.

MarkeTrak 10 (MT10) Survey Results Demonstrate High Satisfaction with and Benefits from Hearing Aids

Erin M Picou  1
Affiliations
Review

MarkeTrak 10 (MT10) Survey Results Demonstrate High Satisfaction with and Benefits from Hearing Aids

Erin M Picou. Semin Hear. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is threefold. First, it is to evaluate current rates of hearing aid satisfaction, in addition to the examination of factors that influence satisfaction rates. A second purpose is to evaluate the effects of hearing aid use on mental health and quality of life, from the consumer perspective. The third purpose of this article is to review the current status of the market in terms of usage and ownership. The usage statistics from MarkeTrak 10 answer questions such as what is the most common type of hearing aid style. And what types of hearing aid features are popular? The results of the usage statistics provide not only insight into the satisfaction and quality-of-life metrics but also information about marketplace trends. By fulfilling these purposes, strengths and weaknesses of the current hearing aid marketplace can be determined, guiding future technological and clinical practice developments. Survey results demonstrate the continued dominance of mini-BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids and high popularity of features, including wireless capabilities. Overall satisfaction rates are encouragingly high, driven by satisfaction with BTE instruments, especially those acquired in the past 5 years. Noted areas for improvement continue to be related to listening in noise and patient understanding of their hearing aids. Given the high levels of noted satisfaction, it is not surprising that the sample revealed significant hearing aid benefits, notably in a lower risk for depression, higher satisfaction listening in almost all environments, and improved quality of life on a regular basis. Together, these data provide insights into the factors that drive satisfaction, encourage industrial and scientific advancements in the identified areas of weakness, and paint a bright picture of the hearing aid market from the consumer perspective.

Keywords: hearing aid; satisfaction; survey.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percent of survey respondents that report a given age of their hearing aid(s).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency of remote microphone or smartphone application among respondents who report having the features on hearing aids acquired in the past 5 years.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percent of respondents who have a cell phone (panel A ) and whose cell phone is a smartphone (panel B ) for different age groups. Yellow bars indicate age groups that are less likely to have a cell phone or a smart phone.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Hearing aid satisfaction in the MarkeTrak surveys (MarkeTrak 9 in 2008 and MarkeTrak 10 in 2018) compared with satisfaction rates from other consumer surveys.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Effect of hearing aid age on hearing aid satisfaction.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Effect of purchase price on hearing aid satisfaction.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Effect of hearing aid style on hearing aid satisfaction.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Effect of hearing aid features on hearing aid satisfaction.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Factors affecting met and unmet expectations.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Factors contributing to hearing aid satisfaction.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Satisfaction with overall hearing aids.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Satisfaction with physical and sound attributes of hearing aids.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Satisfaction with functional aspects of hearing aids.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Observed changes attributed to hearing aid use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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