New Research Sheds Light on Benefits of Hearing Aids

 

An article recently published in the American Journal of Audiology details the first-ever placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of hearing aid outcomes, and there’s good news—adults benefit from hearing aid use.

This study was led by Indiana University with funding support from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). One hundred fifty-four adults, ages 55-79 with mild to moderate hearing loss, received a professional hearing evaluation from an audiologist before being fit with the same high-end digital mini hearing aids in both ears.

Patient Satisfaction

Subjects were divided into three groups. One received “best practices” services from audiologists that included professional fitting and counseling; one received no professional fitting by an audiologist and selected their own pre-programmed hearing aids (over-the-counter model); and one received a professional fitting, but used a hearing aid that was programmed to provide no acoustical benefit.

Researchers found that hearing aids were effective in older adults for both the audiology best practices model and the over-the-counter model. Though results were similar for both groups, the over-the-counter group did not fare as well when it came to satisfaction with their hearing aids.

In fact, satisfaction significantly increased for patients in both groups who chose to continue under an audiologist’s care.

A Partner in Hearing Health

As this research underscores, satisfaction with hearing aids is higher when working with an audiologist who subscribes to best practices or hold affiliations with organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Academy of Audiology, or the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.

Speaking from experience, patients who successfully wear hearing aids see their audiologist as a partner in their hearing health, working together to find hearing aids best suited to their lifestyle, needs and budget. In fact, most patients benefit from adjustments and a custom hearing solution, which are only available by working with a professional.

Associated Audiologists & Customer Satisfaction

At Associated Audiologists, we routinely survey our patients to determine their level of satisfaction with their hearing aids and the service we provide.  On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, patients rate:

  • Level of satisfaction with their hearing aids from Associated Audiologists—4.56.
  • Level of satisfaction with their audiologist at Associated Audiologists—4.99.
  • Likelihood to recommend Associated Audiologists to a friend or family—4.96.

To see reviews from our patients, visit www.hearingyourbest.com. Or, call 1-855-547-8745 to experience the difference one of our doctoral-level audiologists can make in your life.

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