High-frequency amplification with ITC-HA and BTE-HA. A comparative investigation

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Aid Technology
• Speech and Hearing Sciences

Background:

• High-frequency hearing loss is common and significantly impacts communication.
• Conventional behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE-HA) with open molds may not provide sufficient high-frequency amplification.
• In-the-canal hearing aids (ITC-HA) offer a potentially more discreet and effective amplification solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the high-frequency amplification of an ITC-HA.
• To compare the amplification of an ITC-HA with a conventional BTE-HA using an open mold.
• To assess patient preference and long-term usage of ITC-HA versus BTE-HA.

Main Methods:

• Insertion gain measurements were performed on 22 subjects with bilateral high-frequency hearing loss.
• Participants were fitted with both an ITC-HA and a BTE-HA with an open mold.
• Subjective preference and continuous usage rates were recorded after a one-year observation period.

Main Results:

• The ITC-HA provided significantly greater high-frequency amplification compared to the BTE-HA.
• Neither hearing aid achieved amplification levels suggested by the POGO strategy.
• Despite superior amplification, the ITC-HA did not yield significantly better speech recognition scores than the BTE-HA.
• All subjects preferred the ITC-HA at fitting, and 68% used it continuously after one year.

Conclusions:

• ITC-HAs are a viable option for patients with significant high-frequency hearing loss.
• Patients demonstrate a strong preference for ITC-HAs over conventional BTE-HAs.
• The preference for ITC-HAs correlates with higher long-term usage rates, suggesting improved patient satisfaction.