Hearing aid adoption rates among adults without hearing aid experience in an audiology clinic before and after price unbundling

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate a policy-related factor and patient-related factors that might affect hearing aid adoption for adults, specifically price unbundling, and demographic and audiologic factors, respectively. Design: Retrospective data from hearing aid consultation appointments in an audiology clinic in a medical centre were examined. Appointments were conducted between 2019 and 2023, capturing visits when services and devices were charged using a model that was bundled (2019–2022) and unbundled (2023). In the unbundled model, a separate fee was charged for the consultation appointment. Study Sample: Adults (n = 5186) without hearing aid experience who completed a hearing aid consultation appointment. Results: After unbundling, a higher percentage of consultation appointments resulted in hearing aid adoptions (increased from 53% to 65%), despite a decline in the number of hearing aid consultation appointments. The absolute number of hearing aid adoptions per provider did not change over time. Also stable were reasons for hearing aid non-adoption; they were primarily related to lack of perceived hearing difficulty. Conclusions: By unbundling and charging specifically for hearing aid consultation appointments, hearing aid consultations can be made more efficient, decreasing time spent with patients who do not need consultation services without negatively impacting revenue.