Hearing instruments and health technology--an evaluation.
This contribution compares a currently worn hearing instrument (i.e. R-HI) with a programmable multiband full-dynamic range compression behind-the-ear HI (i.e. T-HI), based on subject preference for HI, and, in addition, compares the preference for a linear/ non-linear amplification-mode (i.e. L-mode/C-mode). Finally, it evaluates some health technology aspects related to the devices. N = 34 experienced HI-users at a median age of 72 years (range 22-84) completed the trial, n = 5 being monaurally, and n = 29 being binaurally fitted. The trial comprises an unblinded comparative study of the R-HI and T-HI, in either C-mode or L-mode amplification, and a double-blind crossover study evaluating the C-mode versus the L-mode amplification. The results of the unblinded study showed that 94% (n = 32/34) preferred the T-HI, whereas two subjects preferred their current HI. The double-blind crossover study concerning the preference for the C-mode and L-mode, respectively, in the T-HI, showed that 72% (n = 23/32) had a significant preference for the non-linear amplification, whereas 28% (n = 9/32) preferred the linear amplification. Provided that the price of the T-HI is kept unchanged, a health technology evaluation may imply an estimate of 30 mill. DKR added costs on a national basis, which should be taken into account within the national hearing services.
Parving
A
A
Department of Audiology, Bispebjerg Hospital, H:S, Copenhagen, Denmark. bbhaudap@pip.dknet.dk
Sørensen
M S
MS
Carver
K
K
Christensen
B
B
Sibelle
P
P
Vesterager
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001307:Auditory Perception; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D008875:Middle Aged; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires