Outcomes of real-ear measurement-based fitting in unilateral hearing aid users: Influence of contralateral hearing

OBJECTIVES: Real-ear measurement (REM) is commonly used to verify hearing aid fittings; however, its added benefit over non-REM fitting in unilateral users and the influence of contralateral ear hearing remain unclear. In this retrospective study, we compared short-term audiometric and patient-reported outcomes between an REM-based fitting pathway and a manufacturer-first-fit pathway followed by routine clinical...

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Contralateral hearing status appears to influence real-ear measurement-based fitting outcomes in unilateral users; audiologists fitting one ear should assess and document the opposite ear's hearing as part of the fitting protocol.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Understanding how the untreated ear shapes benefit from a unilaterally fitted hearing aid can help clinicians set realistic expectations and optimise fitting decisions for this common patient presentation.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Real-ear measurement (REM)-based fitting was used as the fitting standard for unilateral hearing aid users.
02The hearing status of the contralateral (opposite, unfitted) ear influenced measured fitting outcomes.
03Findings suggest unilateral fitting benefit cannot be assessed in isolation without considering the other ear.
04Study contributes normative context for REM-guided fitting in asymmetric hearing loss populations.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Contralateral hearing status influences the outcomes of real-ear measurement-based hearing aid fitting in unilateral users.

studypartially supported

Real-ear measurement-based fitting provides a reliable method for assessing hearing aid benefit in unilateral users.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42784602
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0358875.
Journal: PLOS ONE
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Unilateral hearing aid users with varying degrees of contralateral hearing
Intervention: Real-ear measurement-based hearing aid fitting

Primary outcomes

Hearing aid fitting outcomes in unilateral users; Influence of contralateral hearing status on fitting benefit

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Discussion

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Hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults

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Individuals with near-normal audiograms but perceived hearing difficulties can achieve aided outcomes on par with those of peers with mild hearing loss

The effect of treating hearing loss with hearing aids on plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Hearing Aid Efficacy-Timely Trial Finds Professional Guidance Trumps Costly Tech

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