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 behi nd-the-ear HI (i.e. T-HI), based on subject preference for HI, and, in addition, compares the preference for a linear/non-linear amplificati on-mode (i.e. L-mode/C-mode). Finally, it evaluates some health techno logy aspects related to the devices. N = 34 experienced HI-users at a median age of 72 years (range 22-84) completed the trial, n = 5 being monaurally, and n = 29 being binaurally fitted. The trial comprises an unblinded comparative study of the R-HI and T-HI, in either C-mode or L-mode amplification, and a double-blind crossover study evaluating t he C-mode versus the L-mode amplification. The results of the unblinde d study showed that 94% (n = 32/34) preferred the T-HI, whereas two su bjects preferred their current HI. The double-blind crossover study co ncerning the preference for the C-mode and L-mode, respectively, in th e T-HI, showed that 72% (n = 23/32) had a significant preference for t he non-linear amplification, whereas 28% (n = 9/32) preferred the line ar amplification. Provided that the price of the T-HI is kept unchange d, a health technology evaluation may imply an estimate of 30 mill. DK R added costs on a national basis, which should be taken into account within the national hearing services.