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Acceptability of binaural hearing aids: a cross-over study
S D Stephens1, D E Callaghan, S Hogan
1Welsh Hearing Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Screening questionnaires identified hearing disability in adults aged 50-65. Most participants preferred binaural hearing aids for better sound localization, especially those with greater hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hearing disability is prevalent in adults aged 50-65.
- General practice settings offer opportunities for early detection of hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify individuals with hearing disability using screening questionnaires.
- To compare the acceptability of monaural versus binaural hearing aid fittings.
Main Methods:
- Screening questionnaires were used to identify participants aged 50-65 with hearing disability.
- A cross-over study design compared monaural and binaural hearing aid fittings.
- Participants had better ear hearing levels of 30 dB or worse.
Main Results:
- 55% of participants opted for binaural hearing aid fittings.
- Those choosing binaural fittings had greater hearing disability and worse mean hearing levels.
- Acoustical reasons, especially improved localization ability, drove the choice for binaural fittings.
Conclusions:
- Screening questionnaires are effective in detecting hearing disability in primary care.
- Binaural hearing aids are preferred by individuals with more significant hearing loss.
- Improved sound localization is a key factor in hearing aid fitting choices.