title: Evidence on self-fitting hearing aids.
abstract: The research on self-fitting hearing aids is reviewed using evidence-based principles. The evaluation begins with a definition of the research questions followed by a detailed search of the literature and then a review of the relevant studies. Four features of self-fitting hearing aids are reviewed: in-situ threshold measurement, whether an initial fitting prescribed using standard prescription formulae will approximate user preferences, outcomes with training of hearing aids for preferred responses, and assembly and use of the aids. There is at least good quality evidence suggesting that in-situ thresholds can be reliably obtained, that prescribed initial fittings approximate preferred responses, and that users are able to train the hearing aids and would prefer the trained responses. However, evidence on other outcomes and the ability of users to assemble and use such instruments is limited. Gaps in research with self-fitting hearing aids are identified.
authors.affiliation: Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Hong Kong, 5th Flr, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China. llnwong@hku.hk
authors.forename: Lena L N
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D001299:Audiometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment; D004867:Equipment Design; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D057240:Patient Preference; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012648:Self Care; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted