To prospectively evaluate whether modifying DSL version 5-based hearing aid (HA) fittings by adjusting gain on HA fitting software so that measured functional gain (FG) approached a one-third gain (1/3G) target could provide appropriate fitting outcomes in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Results of this prospective evaluation of a one-third functional gain DSL v5 fitting target are not yet available in the provided description; audiologists should review the full paper before considering any protocol change.
If a reduced functional gain target proves non-inferior or beneficial for patient comfort and acceptance, it could prompt a meaningful revision of widely used prescriptive fitting protocols in clinical practice.
- 01Prospective study design evaluating a modified DSL v5 hearing aid fitting protocol.
- 02Protocol targets one-third functional gain rather than the full prescriptive gain target.
- 03Study population: patients with sensorineural (nerve-related) hearing loss.
- 04Published in Auris Nasus Larynx (2026), a peer-reviewed ENT/audiology journal.
- 05Findings could influence prescriptive fitting guidelines if the modified target shows comparable or superior outcomes.
A hearing aid fitting protocol targeting one-third functional gain (modified DSL v5) can be prospectively evaluated in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42667863
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.anl.2026.08.007.
- Journal
- Auris Nasus Larynx
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Patients with sensorineural hearing loss fitted with hearing aids
- Intervention
- Modified DSL v5 hearing aid fitting protocol targeting one-third functional gain
- Comparator
- Standard DSL v5 prescriptive fitting target
Primary outcomes
Functional gain achieved with the modified fitting protocol; Hearing aid benefit or satisfaction in patients with sensorineural hearing loss