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Hearing aids
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|February 3, 1999
Summary
Selecting a hearing aid involves assessing patient needs and hearing loss. Binaural fitting is often best for symmetric loss, but digital hearing aid technology is rapidly advancing.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hearing aid selection requires evaluating patient-specific factors like hearing disability, motivation, lifestyle, finances, and cosmetic preferences.
- Modern hearing aids can effectively address most hearing impairments.
- Binaural fitting, utilizing two hearing aids, is generally recommended for symmetric hearing loss to maximize auditory benefit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the initial steps in the hearing aid fitting and selection process.
- To highlight the benefits of binaural fitting for symmetric hearing loss.
- To discuss the impact of technological advancements in digital hearing aids.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of patient hearing disability.
- Evaluation of patient motivation, lifestyle, financial considerations, and cosmetic concerns.
- Consideration of auditory function symmetry for fitting strategies.
Main Results:
- Most hearing impairments are treatable with contemporary hearing aids.
- Binaural fitting is the preferred initial approach for symmetric hearing loss.
- Significant asymmetries in auditory function may limit the success of binaural fitting.
Conclusions:
- The hearing aid fitting process is multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive patient assessment.
- Technological advancements, particularly in digital hearing aids, are rapidly evolving.
- Future improvements in hearing aid technology are anticipated to enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.