The Effectiveness of the Hearing Aid in Hearing Loss with Tinnitus / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hearing aids are commonly used to alleviate the effects of tinnitus. But the investigations for effectiveness of hearing aids on tinnitus gave variable results according to survey methods. We will determine the effects of the hearing aid on the perception of tinnitus using the THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) and investigate the relationships between THI & SADL (Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life) scale. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: THI score was assessed at pre-aid time and 4 weeks after fitting with the same inventory prospectively by 36 hearing impaired patients who reported tinnitus. Also, the SADL scale was completed at 4 weeks after fitting. The relationship between SADL score and THI benefit was evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-two of thirty six patients (61.1%) showed subjective beneficial effect of hearing aid on tinnitus. The use of hearing aid significantly reduced the tinnitus handicap score in all subclasses and total THI. The only positive effect in the subscale of SADL was related to the THI benefit statistically. CONCLUSION: The hearing aid can provide relief from tinnitus associated with hearing loss and improve the subjective satisfaction of fitting.