Optimum side for fitting a monaural hearing aid. 2. Measured benefit

The benefit obtained from wearing a hearing aid in either ear was assessed in 52 subjects using an audiovisual test. The sound source was located directly in front of the subject. Overall the subjects obtained more benefit with their aid in their better hearing ear, despite having expressed a preference for using the aid in their poorer hearing ear. Seven of the subjects who had asymmetrical hearing were tested further using an auditory test with the sound source either in front of the subject or to either side. The results suggest that the subjects' preference for the poorer hearing ear are based on a desire to minimise their disability in the most disadvantageous listening situations.