Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to examine the status of the supply system for hearing aids at stores
in Japan.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional, observational study. We mailed questionnaires to 4502
hearing aid stores in Japan and analyzed the responses.
Results
Of the 4502 stores, 1032 (23%) responded.
Most stores accessed audiogram information and adjusted hearing aids using computer
fitting software. Overall, 43% of the stores only used the manufacturer's original
prescription formula to adjust the hearing aid, and 47% of stores lacked a device
for measuring the frequency response of the hearing aids. Moreover, 20% of the stores
lacked both a sound field threshold measurement system and a real-ear measurement
device. Objective evaluations, including functional gain, rear-ear insertion gain,
and frequency response data, were not performed by 14% stores. Speech-language-hearing
therapists were present in only 5.6% stores.
Conclusion
The findings revealed several key shortcomings in the hearing aid supply system at
hearing aid stores in Japan.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 16, 2022
Accepted:
November 28,
2022
Received:
July 5,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
