An Australian version of the acceptable noise level test and its predictive value for successful hearing aid use in an older population

Objective: The acceptable noise level (ANL), a measure of noise tolerance, has been proposed as a predictor for successful hearing aid use. The aims of this study were to obtain normative data, and to evaluate the clinical feasibility and predictive value of an Australian version of the ANL test in an older population. Design: Repeated ANL measurements were presented diotically using earphones. All participants provided demographic information and hearing aid owners were asked about their aid use. Study sample: A total of 290 older adults were assessed; 166 participants had a hearing impairment and 96 owned a hearing aid. Results: The mean ANL was lower than previously reported. While age and gender had no effect on ANL, a significant, but weak, correlation was found between ANL and hearing loss. The test-retest reliability showed the results were clinically unreliable. In addition, the ANL did not predict hours or pattern of hearing aid use. Conclusions: While the Australian ANL test showed several similar characteristics to previous versions of the test, low test-retest reliability raised questions about its clinical value as a predictor for long-term hearing aid use

Survey on hearing aid outcome in Switzerland: associations with type of fitting (bilateral/unilateral), level of hearing aid signal processing, and hearing loss.

The present investigation further analysed results of a previously reported survey with a large sample of hearing aid owners (Bertoli et al, 2009) to determine the individual and technological factors related to hearing aid outcome. In particular the associations of hearing loss, level of signal processing, and fitting type (bilateral versus unilateral fitting) with hearing aid use, satisfaction with and management of the aid were evaluated. A sub-group with symmetrical hearing loss was analysed (n = 6027). Regular use was more frequent in bilateral users and in owners of devices with more complex signal processing, but the strongest determinant of regular use was severity of hearing loss. Satisfaction was higher in the group wearing simple devices, while fitting type and degree of hearing loss had no influence on satisfaction rates. Moderate and severe hearing loss was associated more frequently with poor management of the aid than mild hearing loss. It was concluded that bilateral amplification and advanced signal processing features may contribute to successful hearing aid fitting, but the resulting differences must be considered to be relatively small