Hearing aid outcomes for listeners with high-frequency hearing loss.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether listeners with primarily high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (HF SNHL) perceived benefit from amplification provided by completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids.


METHODS
The Hearing Handicap for the Elderly-Screening version, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, and the Satisfaction With Amplification in Daily Life questionnaires were mailed to 2 groups of listeners (n = 79) who matched preset criteria, including threshold at 2000 Hz and use of CIC amplification. Sixty-seven percent (n = 53) of the questionnaires were returned and were divided into 2 groups. Group I (n = 26) consisted of listeners with normal hearing through 2000 Hz, and Group II (n = 27) consisted of listeners with normal hearing only through 1000 Hz.


RESULTS
Results revealed that both groups perceived significant hearing handicap, hearing aid benefit, and hearing aid satisfaction. Differences between the 2 groups on the 3 measures, however, were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Listeners with HF SNHL perceived benefit and satisfaction from amplification with CIC hearing aids. Individuals with SNHL limited to the high frequencies should be considered candidates for amplification.
Roup
Christina M
CM
The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. roup.2@osu.edu
Noe
Colleen M
CM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology*; D006316:Hearing Loss, High-Frequency / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*