Abstract
Currently published hearing aid fitting protocols recommend speech-in-noise testing and loudness measures, but it remains unclear how these measures affect hearing aid benefit and user satisfaction. This study compared two protocols in their effects on benefit and satisfaction. Protocol A included an electroacoustic analysis, real-ear measures, and hearing aid adjustments based on users' comments. Protocol B included all of Protocol A and a speech-in-noise test, loudness discomfort levels, and aided loudness. Thirty-two participants completed the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) at 45 days and three months post-initial fitting. Fewer hearing aid adjustments were made to the hearing aids for participants fitted with Protocol B than participants fitted with Protocol A, but final gains were similar for both groups. Although similar APHAB scores were obtained for both protocols, SADL scores decreased between 45 days and three months for Protocol A.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 482-495 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Audiology |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| State | Published - Jun 2007 |
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Keywords
- Benefit
- Fitting protocol
- Hearing aids
- Satisfaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology