Clinical study of a digital vs an analogue hearing aid.

Digital signal processing in hearing instruments has brought new perspectives to the compensation of hearing impairment and may result in alleviation of the adverse effects of hearing problems. This study compares a commercially available digital signal processing hearing aid (HA) (Senso) with a modern analogue HA with programmable fitting (Logo). The HAs tested are identical in appearance and, in spite of a different mode of operation, the study design ensured blinding of the test subjects.

Self-reported need of information, counselling and education: needs and interests of re-applicants.

An interview study was performed to establish and evaluate the need for education and counselling of hearing aid users (HA users) in order to review present procedures of information and potential referral to the educational sector. The study comprises 102 consecutively selected hearing-impaired adults (>18 years), the only inclusion criterion being experienced HA user. The interview took place immediately after the patient's latest HA fitting appointment and consisted of 24 structured and closed questions.

A double-blind cross-over study of a non-linear hearing aid.

New hearing aids are usually introduced after clinical trials. These are mostly based on subjects reports, in which it is possible that the subject's judgment of the acoustic performance might be influenced by the awareness that it is a new hearing aid which is being investigated. To examine the benefit of a new non-linear amplification circuit, a double-blind cross-over study was conducted.

Hearing instruments and health technology--an evaluation.

This contribution compares a currently worn hearing instrument (i.e. R-HI) with a programmable multiband full-dynamic range compression behind-the-ear HI (i.