Monitoring of hearing aids and earmolds in an educational setting

Classroom hearing aid and earmold inspection of the amplification worn by 109 school-age children was performed by an audiologist. Hearing aids and earmolds were classified as adequate or inadequate depending on whether optimal function of the hearing aids and good fit of the earmolds was found. Over 60% of the children were found to be using malfunctioning hearing aids or poorly fitting earmolds. The large number of children wearing inadequate amplification demonstrates the need for constant hearing aid monitoring and earmold check as part of aural rehabilitation and educational programs for hearing-impaired children. A method for accomplishing hearing aid and earmold check by parents and school personnel is described.