Predictable factors for planning a fitting strategy for people with
asymmetrical hearing loss wearing a hearing aid in the worse ear only.
Abstract
Objectives: In patients with bilateral asymmetrical hearing loss (AHL)
where only one hearing aid is available, it is difficult to decide which
ear to amplify. The aims of this study were to evaluate the outcomes of
hearing-aid use for AHL patients fitted with a hearing aid in their
worse ear only. Design: Retrospective study. Setting:
Secondary-referral, university-based hospital. Participants: 102 adults
with asymmetrical mixed or sensorineural hearing loss. AHL was
classified into three subgroups: unilateral hearing loss (UHL), and
asymmetrical hearing loss type 1 (AHL1) and type 2 (AHL2). Main outcome
measures: (1) The time for wearing a hearing aid, (2) the hearing in
noise test (HINT)), (3) sound localization test, and (4) the Korean
version of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids
(IOI-HA). Results: The 1 kHz-hearing threshold of the better ear was
significantly better in the intermittent users than in the successful
users for UHL. Among the etiologies of AHL, sudden hearing loss was
associated with significantly better outcomes of hearing-aid use for
AHL, UHL, and AHL1 patients. Younger age was associated with
significantly better outcomes for AHL and AHL2. Conclusions: The results
indicate the importance of good hearing at 1 kHz in the better ear when
counseling UHL patients who will receive a monaural hearing aid in their
worse ear. We also suggest that clinicians should recommend a monaural
hearing aid for the worse ear to younger patients with AHL, especially
in cases of sudden hearing loss.