Related Experiment Videos
Hearing aid usage in occupational hearing loss claimants
The Journal of Otolaryngology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Many occupational hearing loss claimants received hearing aids, with 81% ultimately deemed candidates. Most users found hearing aids helpful, especially for non-work activities like watching TV.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Occupational Health
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- 3,509 occupational hearing loss claimants evaluated between 1980-1986.
- Data collected by Mount Sinai Hospital's Otolaryngology Department for the Workers' Compensation Board of Ontario.
- Retrospective analysis of demographic and aural rehabilitation status.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine demographic characteristics of claimants.
- Describe the aural rehabilitation status.
- Assess hearing aid usage and satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a departmental database.
- Inclusion of work, medical, and audiologic findings.
- Focus on first-time, reliable claimants.
Main Results:
- Most claimants had bilateral mild to moderate hearing loss.
- 33.2% of first-time claimants owned hearing aids, often monaural behind-the-ear.
- 90% of hearing aid owners reported benefit, regardless of age, loss severity, or speech discrimination.
Conclusions:
- Hearing aids are beneficial for many occupational hearing loss claimants.
- Significant hearing aid usage reported for non-work situations.
- 81% of all claimants were identified as hearing aid candidates.