Hearing aid dispensing in the otolaryngological-audiological clinic

Many professionals in the hearing health care field recognize the need for change in the hearing aid delivery system. Reported herein are the results of 30 months of direct dispensing experience within a private otolaryngological-audiological clinic. A review of the dispensing of 520 aids shows numerous advantages and minimal disadvantages of this approach. Equipment requirements, patient cost, fitting procedures, and problems incurred are described. Direct dispensing, along with professional management of the rehabilitative process by the otolaryngological-audiological team is advocated on the basis of the positive results to date.