A comparison of two hearing-aid selection methods

The target hearing-aid frequency response for 30 new candidates for NHS aids was derived on a theoretical basis and realised within +/- 5 dB by appropriate aid and earmould selection and modification. After a period of six months the listening comfort was assessed using a TR60 noise pulse audiometer (Siemens AG). Good agreement was obtained between the prescription derived on a theoretical basis and utilised in determining the frequency/gain characteristics of the aid and the users judgement of 'best response' made in a simulated real-life listening situation. This finding gives encouragement to the use of this theoretical method for hearing-aid selection for first-time users.