Hearing aids. A study of the performance capabilities of new instruments

Evidence in the literature states that minimally 50% of the hearing aids that are worn by children are malfunctioning. The result is that these hearing aids are rejected by children who probably could benefit from amplification. This study shows that a large percentage of new hearing aids malfunction according to a number of specified parameters and points out the reasons for the malfunctioning. A cross-sectional sample of 14 manufacturers' hearing aid submissions (a total of 166 new aids) were comprehensively studied by the British Columbia Research and Development Laboratory, Victoria. Sixty-five percent of the hearing aids failed the primary and secondary criteria during the initial evaluation period. Results of this study provided valuable information to manufacturers of hearing aids and also to those who fit hearing aids with regard to improvements necessary to meet reasonable standards.