As practitioners in the field of audiology, staying abreast of the latest research and methodologies in hearing aid selection is crucial for improving our skills and providing the best care for our patients. The research article "Current Approaches to Hearing Aid Selection" by David B. Hawkins offers valuable insights into the various strategies currently used in hearing aid selection, outlining their advantages and disadvantages. This blog post aims to highlight key findings from Hawkins' research and suggest ways practitioners can implement these outcomes or further their research to enhance their practice.
The selection of hearing aids has evolved significantly over the past fifteen years, shifting from a reliance on speech understanding tests to focusing on efficient amplification of speech energy into the residual dynamic range of the hearing-impaired person. Hawkins reviews several selection strategies, from using only the pure tone audiogram to more sophisticated methods involving suprathreshold measurements and customized values.
Strategy Insights:
- Use of the Pure Tone Audiogram: This common approach relies on manufacturers to select the gain, frequency response, and SSPL90 of the hearing aid. While less time-consuming, it often results in a lack of a structured approach and potential for loudness discomfort.
- Prescription Procedures: Utilizing prescription procedures based on pure tone thresholds can provide a more structured approach and specific targets for hearing aid performance. However, it may not always result in the desired real-ear insertion response due to average CORFIG use.
- Customized Values: An emerging strategy involves using individualized CORFIGs to determine the desired 2 cm³ coupler response, aiming for a more precise selection of gain and frequency response. This approach requires more time but offers clearer goals and targets.
- Amplified Speech Spectrum: Another method attempts to amplify the long-term spectrum of speech to specified sensation levels, providing a comprehensive outline of the residual auditory area. This approach is highly flexible but has yet to be validated with adult hearing-impaired users.
- Dynamic Range Definition: The least used but potentially most useful strategy involves defining the dynamic range through threshold and suprathreshold measurements. This approach tailors the hearing aid selection to the individual's loudness perception, offering a highly personalized solution.
Implementing these strategies into practice requires a commitment to ongoing education and a willingness to explore new methodologies. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into the research and consider how these approaches can be integrated into their current practices. By doing so, audiologists can enhance their ability to select the most appropriate hearing aids for their patients, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
For those interested in exploring Hawkins' research in more detail and gaining a deeper understanding of the current approaches to hearing aid selection, please follow this link: Current Approaches to Hearing Aid Selection.
