title: Hearing instruments for the elderly hearing impaired. A comparison of in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing instruments in first-time users.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to compare negative and positive experiences between two matched groups of elderly first-time users of hearing instruments (HI). One group had been supplied with behind-the-ear hearing instruments (BTE), the other with in-the-canal hearing instruments (ITC). There were 20 persons in each group. All were visited in their homes. Those who needed extra help were offered follow-up at the Hearing Centre. ITC were found to be superior to BTE as regards time-of-use, operational difficulties and undesirable sound experiences. ITC were also used in more difficult listening situations. Successful instruction and follow-up was more easily achieved with ITC users than with BTE users. ITC are recommended as the preferred instrument for elderly first-time HI users, at least for hearing losses not exceeding 60 dB PTA, provided the subject's dexterity and anatomical conditions permit fitting of ITC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tonning
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Warland
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tonning
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000368:Aged; D001844:Bone Conduction; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment; D004867:Equipment Design; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires