Characteristics of Patients with Hearing Aids according to the Degree and Pattern of Hearing Loss

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess the characteristics of patients according to the degree and audiogram shape of hearing loss and the association of these characteristics with hearing aids (HA) choice, return rate, and cause of return.Subjects and MethodsThis study included 460 individuals who received HAs from 2011 to 2015. The relationships between type of HA and age, primary and accompanying symptoms, HA choice and return and cause of return were evaluated according to the degree and pattern of hearing loss.ResultsHA type did not differ significantly according to the degree and pattern of hearing loss. Intensity of hearing loss was greater in male than in female (p<0.05). Open and completely-in-canal types of HA decreased with age (p<0.05). As degree of hearing loss intensified, behind-the-ear and in-the-ear types increased and Open type decreased (p<0.05). The HA return rate was 9.7%, but was not associated with degree or pattern of hearing loss. The main causes of HA return were costs, psychological fears and adaptive failure.ConclusionsChoice of HA is affected by age, sex, and degree and pattern of hearing loss. HA for hearing rehabilitation in patients with hearing loss can be personalized according to each patient's characteristics and tendencies.

Investigation of the effect of hearing aid on hearing disability in elderly people with presbycusis

“…Aging is continuous and irreversible changes emerge in tissues and organs with aging. The increase in average life expectancy and the increase in the elderly population also increased the number of individuals with hearing loss [2]. The elderly hearing loss is called presbycusis [3].…”