SURVEY OF RADIO AND PERSONAL HEARING-AID SYSTEMS

The University of Kent is currently undertaking research leading to th e design and development of a novel sub miniature multi-channelled rad io hearing aid system, to be used primarily by hearing-impaired childr en. It was decided at an early stage that, if the new system was to be of maximum benefit, then a detailed survey of radio aid systems in cu rrent use should be compiled. The survey was directly aimed at obtaini ng the views, thoughts and criticsms of hearing-impaired users, their parents and their teachers, so that the findings could be analysed and the resulting ideas and modifications designed into the new system. T his paper describes the survey that has been carried out. Its methods, results and conclusions are given.