title: Target-matched insertion gain derived from three different hearing aid selection procedures.
abstract: Three hearing aid selection procedures were compared to determine if any one was superior in producing prescribed real-ear insertion gain. For each of three subject groups, 12 in-the-ear style hearing aids with Class D circuitry and similar dispenser controls were ordered from one of three manufacturers. Subject groups were classified based on the type of information included on the hearing aid order form: (1) the subject's audiogram, (2) a three-part matrix specifying the desired maximum output, full-on gain, and frequency response slope of the hearing aid, or (3) the desired 2-cc coupler full-in grain of the hearing aid, based on real-ear coupler difference (RECD) measurements. Following electroacoustic adjustments aimed at approximating a commonly used target insertion gain formula, results revealed no significant differences among any of the three selection procedures with respect to obtaining acceptable insertion gain values.
authors.affiliation: Department of Audiology and Speech Services, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Punch
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Shovels
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Dickinson
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Calder
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Snead
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting