Hearing aids for high-frequency hearing loss.
This cross-over study compares the relative benefits of a standard NHS contracted hearing aid with a high-frequency emphasis commercial aid in subjects with high-frequency hearing loss. Disability questionnaires and free-field speech-in-noise (FAAF II) tests were used to assess subjects unaided and after 6 weeks of wearing each aid. Total FAAF II test scores showed no significant difference with either aid, but analysis of frequency-specific subscores demonstrated less use of low-frequency information when using the high-frequency emphasis aid. Overall questionnaire responses relating to conversation showed more benefit with the high-frequency emphasis aid. Subjects generally preferred this aid, possibly due to less low-tone gain than the standard NHS aid.
Davies
J E
JE
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Gwent, UK.
John
D G
DG
Jones
M J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006316:Hearing Loss, High-Frequency / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires