Better together: reduced compliance after sequential versus simultaneous bilateral hearing aids fitting

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Hearing impairment affects a significant portion of the older adult population.
• Bilateral hearing aid fitting is common for individuals with symmetrical hearing loss.
• Patient compliance is crucial for the effectiveness of hearing rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient compliance between sequential and simultaneous bilateral hearing aid fitting.
• To evaluate the impact of fitting protocol on hearing aid usage patterns.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six older adults with hearing impairment were enrolled.
• Participants were assigned to either simultaneous or sequential bilateral hearing aid fitting.
• Compliance was measured via self-reports and device data loggings over two months.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous fitting demonstrated high and consistent patient compliance.
• Sequential fitting showed an abrupt decrease in compliance and usage hours after the second hearing aid was introduced.
• Both self-reports and device data confirmed reduced usage in the sequential group.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous bilateral hearing aid fitting is superior for achieving better patient compliance.
• Introducing a second hearing aid after a period of monaural use may negatively impact consistent bilateral hearing aid use.