Hearing aids: statistical study and satisfaction survey of patients in an ENT practice.

The present study is a report on a group of hearing-impaired patients all of whom received prescriptions for hearing aids. The lessons learned are the following: only two out of three patients followed up on their prescriptions. "Behind the ear" hearing aids (BTE) were the type most often fitted (79%) against a much lower number of "in the ear" hearing aids (ITE). Binaural fitting has become more widespread since coverage for two aids has been approved by the insurers. The patient is globally satisfied with his hearing aid. However, one out of two is dissatisfied with his auditory correction in a group conversation situation and this in spite of bilateral fittings. Further verification of the efficacy of stereoacoustic amplification is recommended as well as greater care in the initial programming of the aid. An increase in the marketing and sales of ITE prostheses is advisable thereby perhaps attracting hearing aid candidates otherwise reticent to wear conventional BTE type aids.