EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
Fitting Hearing Aids to Adults Using Prescriptive Methods: An Evidence-Based Review of Effectiveness
Gustav Mueller, H.
(2005).
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 16(7), 448-460.
Indicators of Review Quality:
|
The review addresses a clearly focused question
| Yes |
|
Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided
| Yes |
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Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication
| Yes |
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Included studies are assessed for study quality
| Yes |
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Quality assessments are reproducible
| No |
Description: This is a review of randomized control, randomized crossover, quasi-experimental or descriptive research investigating the use of prescriptive methods for fitting hearing aids.
Question(s) Addressed:
Is there evidence supporting the use of a commonly used method (such as NAL-NL1) versus no prescriptive method?
Population: Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss
Intervention/Assessment: Manufacturer-specific proprietary formula for fitting
Number of Studies Included: 11
Years Included: 1985 - 2005
Findings:
Conclusions:
- Management
- Hearing
- Hearing Aid Fitting Prescription - NAL - “In summary, based on the use-gain data and real-world subject preferences, there is evidence to support the conclusion that for average inputs, gain approximating that recommended by the NAL-RP procedure is most preferred by adult hearing aid wearers. Because of the limited number of studies and the low statistical power of these studies, it is not possible to make a strong recommendation” (p. 459).
Keywords: Hearing Aids
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Added to Compendium: January 2012