The intelligent ear: AI and hearing aids information seeking and users' discussion on social media.

Résumé

OBJECTIVES: Hearing aids are the primary technology used to compensate for hearing loss, yet conventional signal treatment algorithms often fall short of providing optimal performance in noisy situations. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening new avenues for more powerful hearing aids. However, information available for patients regarding AI and hearing aids is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability of online information on AI-enhanced hearing aids for patients, focusing on the social media platform Reddit.METHODS: Data were collected on October 1st 2023 following the use of pre-determined keywords. Based on a final sample of 5046 comments distributed amongst 378 threads, the main topics of interest related to AI and hearing aids discussed by users (including patients, relatives and hearing health professionals) were identified.RESULTS: Out of 43,376 threads generated by our searches, 2678 were relevant to the topic of AI in hearing aids. Interestingly, a strong involvement of hearing health professionals was evidenced within the platform, with 52.1% self-identifying as such in some sub-communities (e.g.,r/audiology). In each user group, AI accounted for 3.3% or less of discussion topics, with most conversations instead focusing on practical aspects such as programming, physical features, costs, and connectivity.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study demonstrates both the potential and the limits of social media platforms as vectors for patient information on AI-derived medical devices, by identifying the paucity of information useable by uninformed patients, and emphasising the need for digital literacy, patient education.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Social media discussions are useful vectors to inform healthcare professionals about their patient's concerns. More research is required to assess the quality of information shared online, however, professionals' presence in social media interaction with patients is essential to improve the accuracy of provided information.