The prediction of the difficulty level of hearing aid adaptation

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Authors
McDermott, Sara E.
Advisor
Issue Date
1989
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology
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Abstract

Many people have been fitted with hearing aids who later rarely or never wear them. Research ,questionnaires have demonstrated that hearing aid candidates often have difficulty adapting to the use of hearing aids satisfactorily (Kasten & Miller, 1981; Tyler & Baker, 1983).Until recently, hearing aid dispensers tried to solve this problem by improving the method for choosing appropriate hearing aids (Tobias, 1982). The literature. however, indicates this has not solved the problem Sorri, Luotonen & Laitakari, 1984). A hearing aid dispenser can often subjectively identify candidates who will have difficulty adjusting. These candidates could perhaps be identified earlier with objective methods. Once identified, steps could be taken to help the candidates. adjust more easily to their hearing aids (Brooks, 1981). Such objective methods have not yet been established.Interviews or questionnaires are typical formats for communication handicap scales. The purpose of the scales is to rate the degree of communication handicap caused by the hearing loss (Aipiner, 1982). Some researchers have suggested that these scales can be used to objectively predict ability to adapt to hearing aid use (Hasten & Miller, 1981). Alpiner (1982) has suggested the McCarthy-Alpiner Scale (McCarthy & Alpiner, 1980) and the Sanders Profile Questionnaire (Sanders, 1975) be used for research, however, has defined the predictive nature of any communication handicap scale.

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