[Users' experiences with modern hearing aids. An audit].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate satisfaction with use and manipulation of hearing aids (HA), and to compare these parameters for analogue (A-HA), programmable (P-HA), and digital signal processing aids (DSP-HA).


METHODS
An audit was made of data on users' experiences, as indicated in a questionnaire posted 3-4 months after the HA fitting.


METHODS
Questionnaires were posted to 18,702 persons, who, during the period 1997-1999, had been provided with a HA at a median age of 77 years (range 18-98), 41.8% of whom were men, and 58.2% women. Responses were returned by 12,866 (68.8%), and, as there were no differences between the respondents and non-respondents with respect to age, gender, and distribution of HA type, the responses were considered representative.


RESULTS
According to the replies, 71.5% were very satisfied/satisfied with their HA; 89% used the instrument daily/weekly, and 75% were able to manipulate the HA without problems. However, 10.7-12.7% said they never used the fitted HA. A significantly higher proportion were satisfied with A-HAs as compared to P-HAs and DSP-HAs, whereas there was no significant difference in use as a function of type. A significantly higher number of the users fitted with a DSP-HA could manipulate them, but 36.5% of these needed follow-up in contrast to 25.5% fitted with a P-HA, and 21.6% fitted with an A-HA. A significantly smaller proportion of the elderly were able to manipulate the HA.


CONCLUSIONS
The users of modern HAs are satisfied with them, use them, and most are able to manipulate the HA without problems. The new technology has raised unrealistic expectations in the users, and the DSP-HAs account for larger costs to the national health services, because they are more expensive and the need for staff resources is greater.
Parving
A
A
H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, audiologisk afdeling.
Sibelle
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011786:Quality Control; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires