075 - Brian Taylor, AuD - The Upside of Hearing Solution Optionality

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

Audiologists should consider fitting hearing aids for patients with near-normal audiograms who report significant hearing difficulty, as aided outcomes can match those of patients with confirmed mild hearing loss.

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

If the study shows hearing-aid use reduces Alzheimer's-related plasma biomarkers, it would strengthen the case for early hearing rehabilitation as a potential dementia-prevention strategy, though findings should be weighed by sample size and study design before changing practice.

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

This trial supports prioritising high-quality audiological fitting and counselling over premium hearing aid technology alone — audiologists should emphasise their professional value proposition when discussing device options with patients.

Hearing Aids for Adults With Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

Initial High-Frequency Amplification Accuracy Predicts Long-Term Hearing Aid Fitting Outcomes: A Real Ear Measurement-Based Study

Prioritise high-frequency REM accuracy at the initial fitting visit, as this study identifies it as a predictor of one-year outcomes; clinicians should audit their first-fit verification protocols accordingly.

Hearing aid effectiveness and probable dementia risk across 33 countries: A pooled analysis of seven cohorts

Audiologists should continue counselling patients with hearing loss about consistent hearing aid use, as this large pooled international analysis adds meaningful weight to the evidence linking effective hearing aid use to reduced dementia risk — though causality is not yet...

Determinants of Speech Perception Outcomes After Hearing Aid Fitting in Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study

Audiologists should assess the specific determinants identified (likely including degree of loss, type of loss, and cognitive factors) when counselling patients about expected speech perception outcomes after hearing aid fitting, particularly distinguishing between conductive...