When hearing aids go bad: an FM success story.
Both clinical and research findings support the effectiveness of frequency-modulated (FM) technology among individuals who continue to encounter significant communication problems despite the use of conventional hearing instruments. The use rate of FM devices throughout the nation, however, remains disappointingly low. The authors present a case of a longtime hearing aid user whose hearing aids provided decreasing benefit as his hearing impairment increased to the extent that cochlear implantation was considered. Through the establishment of patient-specific treatment goals, the provision of appropriate FM technology as verified through real-ear measurements, and careful and deliberate counseling and follow-up, this patient was able to realize significant communication benefits as reported through several self-assessment measures. The cost-benefit implications of FM technology versus cochlear implantation are discussed.
McArdle
Rachel
R
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Audiology (126), P.O. Box 5005, Bay Pines, FL 33744, USA. Rachel.mcardle@med.va.gov
Abrams
Harvey B
HB
Chisolm
Theresa Hnath
TH
D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011845:Radio / Q000295:instrumentation; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000145:classification; D013067:Speech Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans