Comparison between Outcomes Using Preferred Gain and Prescribed Gain Formulae in Children Using Hearing Aids

Abstract

Comparison between the preferred and the prescribed (DSL[i/o], NAL-NL1) hearing aid fitting formulae was assessed in children. Ten children diagnosed as profound sensori-neural hearing loss and between the age range of 6-12 years participated in the study. Using the REUR data and REAR data, the REIG (Real Ear Insertion Gain) data was calculated for each subject at each frequency for all the three conditions. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that, REIG provided by preferred gain is approximately similar to NAL-NL1. Whereas gain prescribed by the DSL[i/o] is higher at low frequencies compared to preferred condition and gain prescribed by NAL- NL1.Comparison of the aided thresholds revealed that, DSL[i/o] has slightly lesser thresholds compared to NAL- NL1 and preferred condition.