title: The benefits of using bluetooth accessories with hearing aids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the benefits in reported outcomes after providing bluetooth accessories for established hearing aid users.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective observational study using validated quantitative outcome measures and detailed patient narrative before and two months after patients were provided with bluetooth accessories.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve patients with bilateral NHS hearing aids participated. They had a wide range of ages and hearing loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After two months, 10 patients reported substantial additional benefit and kept the accessories; two returned them for various reasons. Statistically significant changes were seen in two validated outcome measures: the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile and the International Outcome Inventory - Hearing Aids, but not in the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale. Two notable benefits were reported: some described hearing the emotion and mood in a voice for the first time; others were amazed to report an improved ability to hear film or to hold conversations over the telephone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The provision of bluetooth accessories can give additional reported benefit for some patients - we need better knowledge about who benefits, and whether further support/training to individuals would make a difference.
authors.affiliation: * University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust , Leicester , UK.
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bluetooth; accessories; benefit; hearing aids; outcomes