Direct Health Expenditure Analysis Related to Hearing Loss in Individuals Using Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the expenditures related to hearing devices and compare the differences in expenditures in child and adult users. METHODS: A preliminary questionnaire was developed and conducted amongst hearing aid and cochlear implant users. A total of 178 patients (57.3% were hearing aid users, 42.7% were cochlear implant users) were included in the study and grouped as adults (first group, 50 patients), and children 1< (second group, 123 patients). RESULTS: The results of the study showed that individuals used approximately 4.5% of their annual income as health expenditure related to hearing loss. This rate was over 5% for child users, and about 2.7% for adult users. Moreover, the expenditure made by adult users was below the amount of expenditure made for children in all health expenditure indicators. CONCLUSION: Supporting the family budget for hearing loss expenditures not covered by the public health insurance will minimize the financial problems caused by the disability.