Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the availability, suitability, and readability of Spanish-language hearing aid user guides. User guides from nine manufacturers were evaluated with the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) and four readability formulae. There were fewer user guides available in Spanish, and the Spanish guides received lower SAM scores than the English guides. Recommendations for addressing concerns about health literacy will be discussed.
Summary: Rationale: Low health literacy and limited English proficiency are two barriers to accessing hearing healthcare. If audiologists do not have enough time for a full hearing aid orientation, written materials, such as hearing aid user guides, may be provided. These user guides typically cover topics such as the device features, troubleshooting, and care. Previous research has shown that English-language hearing aid user guides required high reading grade levels and were not suitable for the older adult population.