Acceptability of binaural hearing aids: a cross-over study.
Using screening questionnaires we were able to detect individuals aged 50-65 years with hearing disability in a general practice population. Those who had better ear hearing levels of 30 dB or worse were invited to take place in a cross-over study comparing the acceptability of a monaural or binaural hearing-aid fitting. Fifty-five per cent ultimately opted for a binaural fitting and had greater hearing disability and worse mean hearing levels than those who opted for a monaural fitting. They made their choice for acoustical reasons, particularly on the basis of improved localization ability.
Stephens
S D
SD
Welsh Hearing Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Callaghan
D E
DE
Hogan
S
S
Meredith
R
R
Rayment
A
A
Davis
A
A
D001299:Audiometry; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D013017:Sound Localization; D013067:Speech Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires