Analysis of Prefitting versus Postfitting Hearing Aid Orientation Using the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP)

Results of this study demonstrate the advantages of both pre- and postfitting hearing aid orientation (HAO) sessions. This study demonstrated that HAO counseling is helpful in expediting hearing aid benefit and satisfaction through the education of our clients and that this benefit and satisfaction is age dependent as measured by the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP) (Gatehouse, 1997). Patients with greater initial disability, as identified by item 1 of the GHABP, receive significant benefit from prefitting and/or postfitting counseling as compared to patients receiving no counseling. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Key Words

Age - benefit - disability - Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile - hearing aid orientation - hearing aids - perceived handicap - prefitting hearing aid orientation - satisfaction