Towards a systematic approach in hearing aid rehabilitation for adults

This dissertation undertakes an examination of hearing rehabilitation, weaving together the technical aspects of audiology with patient experiences. Focusing on adults using hearing aids, the research adopts a holistic approach, emphasizing the integration of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) with objective audiological findings. Through the analysis of retrospective data from over a thousand individuals and the employment of tools such as the “speech spatial and qualities of hearing scale” (SSQ) and the “Amsterdam Questionnaire for Auditory Impairments” (AVAB), the study identifies initial auditory disability as a main predictor of rehabilitation success. Additionally, factors such as age and prior experience with hearing aids are recognized as significant, while challenging some common assumptions about hearing aid selection and performance. Techniques like Real Ear Measurement (REM) are used to evaluate hearing aid effectiveness, stressing the importance of both objective and subjective measures. The findings advocate for a comprehensive approach that balances technical considerations with patient-centered care, offering insights that may contribute to more nuanced and individualized rehabilitation strategies. The study's results provide a measured perspective on the complex process of auditory rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach in enhancing patient outcomes.