ABSTRACT
A one-half gain rule for hearing aid fitting based on the unaided average hearing threshold level was first proposed by S. F. Lybarger. From records on almost 500 clients with sensorineural loss for whom hearing aids were prescribed and fitted, the functional gain for speech reception threshold, 500 Hz, and the average of 1000 and 2000 Hz was examined. The one-half gain rule was found to be valid for speech reception threshold except with mild hearing losses where the gain obtained was a little less than one-half the unaided hearing threshold level. The one-half gain rule is easily computed and provides a good first-order approximation of operating gain needs.
Subject(s)
Hearing Aids/standards , Auditory Threshold , Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/psychology , Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/rehabilitation , Humans , Prescriptions , Speech Perception , Speech Reception Threshold TestABSTRACT
The preoperative audiometric and electroacoustic impedance test results of 24 surgically confirmed otosclerotics are reviewed with special attention given to the direction of needle deflection during acoustic reflex testing. Information on the direction of needle deflection during acoustic reflex testing was gathered at 5 or 10 dB above reflex threshold. In 12 of the 24 patients acoustic reflexes were present, and in each case the response included negative needle deflections. The presence or absence of the acoustic reflex seemed to be related to the reported duration of the hearing loss.
