Table 2.

Youths with UHL explain why they do not use hearing devices

Social stigma

“I didn’t want like these big headphones to wear all the time.”

“I’m planning to get a hearing aid when I turn 50… because that’s the appropriate time to get one.”

“I just don’t want to have a hearing aid. Like I said before, I’m already set apart having the deaf ear.”

Lack of perceived benefit

“I didn’t really like [my hearing device] that much; I don’t think it really helped me in any way.”

“When I had the CROS, it felt kind of like a speaker. It would just bring in all the background noise.”

Discomfort

“If there was a hearing aid that was comfortable, … then I absolutely would use it.”

“They’re kind of uncomfortable to have those things pushing in your ears.”