Objective: To study if adults with impaired hearing and those with normal hearing differ in: weekly use of smart devices, apps and social media; reasons for using social media; and benefits from using social media. Methods: Data were collected between 1 October 2016 and 1 April 2020, using an online questionnaire and hearing test. Hearing category was based on the hearing test. Results: Data were available for 725 respondents . Mean age was 57.7 (SD 11.4) and 442 (61%) were female. Hearing impaired adults (N=384) did not differ from normal hearing adults (N=341) in their use of a smartphone or tablet. They were equally as likely to use social media in general (age-adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.57 - 1.41, P =.65), but less likely to make use of social media apps on a smart device (age-adjusted OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48 - 0.92, P=.015). Use of other apps did not differ. Hearing impaired adults were more likely to use social media to stay in touch with family members (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16 - 2.07, P =.003) and with friends (age-adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.81, P=.046). They were also more likely to use social media to perform their work (age-adjusted OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04 - 2.18, P=.029). Experienced benefits from social media did not differ. Conclusions: The potential for eHealth is shown as hearing impaired adults did not differ in their use of smart phones and tablets. Further research is needed on the social media platforms hearing impaired adults use, and on which device they prefer to use them. Given that hearing impaired participants are more likely to use social media to perform their work, further work could be done on vocational rehabilitation services using social media. m.vanwier1@amsterdamumc.nl<mailto:m.vanwier1@amsterdamumc.nl> Available for discussion on 4 May [Beschrijving: cid:image002.png@01D40E30.3E299A80] Marieke F. van Wier, PhD | Postdoctoral researcher in Auditory Functioning and Participation Dept. of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, section Ear & Hearing Location VUmc | PK 2Y146 | De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam T: +31 20 444 0900 | E: m.vanwier1@amsterdamumc.nl<mailto:m.vanwier1@amsterdamumc.nl> Absent: Friday www.amsterdamumc.nl<http://www.amsterdamumc.nl/> | www.vumc.nl<http://www.vumc.nl/> | www.ac-vumc.nl/onderzoek/onderzoek.htm<http://www.ac-vumc.nl/onderzoek/onderzoek.htm> _____________________________________________________ VUmc disclaimer: www.vumc.nl/disclaimer<http://www.vumc.nl/disclaimer> ______________________________________________________ VUmc disclaimer : www.vumc.nl/disclaimer AMC disclaimer : www.amc.nl/disclaimer