title: Tutorial on the potential deterioration in hearing due to hearing aid usage.
abstract: This manuscript examines the issue of potential decline in hearing sensitivity due to hearing aid usage through an analysis of data obtained from the temporary threshold shift (TTS) paradigm. Following a critique of the traditional measures of TTS, the concept of integrated TTS (ITTS) is reviewed and data on hearing-aid-induced ITTS are presented. In addition, a series of equations relating permanent threshold shift (PTS) to a recently developed measure of noise dose (Dn) is derived and predictions for hearing-aid-induced PTS are made. Recommended gain settings established to protect the hearing of a person wearing a hearing aid from further decline following various durations of hearing aid usage are also provided.
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics; D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D001305:Auditory Fatigue; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans