The use and benefit of in-the-ear hearing aids. A four-year follow-up examination.

The present investigation was performed in order to evaluate the use and benefit of in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE-HAs) after a 4-year observation period, and to examine the validity of this type of hearing aid. A sample of 537 subjects still in possession of ITE-HAs, fitted in 1985, responded to a postal questionnaire in 1989, including questions identical to the first follow-up in 1985. The 537 persons correspond to 60% of the originally fitted sample of 894 subjects. The investigation indicated that no change in the use of or benefit from ITE-HAs has taken place during a 4-year period, and in addition the manipulative skills of the hearing aid users did not improve. However, the overall frequency of handling problems is low, though with a tendency to increase in the age group above 75 years. It is concluded that the use of and benefit obtained with ITE-HAs remains unchanged over a 4-year period; that the use and benefit is similar in the age groups below and above 75 years of age; that the ITE-HAs seem to be fairly stable during a 4-year period.

[Torticollis--an unusual origin]. / Torticollis--en usaedvanlig årsag.

On account of left-sided chronic otitis with cholesteatoma an otherwise healthy eight year-old girl underwent an otological operation lasting five hours. The course was technically uncomplicated. Postoperatively, persistent torticollis with turning of the head to the right was observed. X-ray and CT-scanning revealed atlanto-axial subluxation. No other cause than the rotation of the head during the operation was demonstrated. It is concluded that subluxation should be considered if torticollis is present after operations during which the head has been rotated.

In-the-ear hearing aids. The use and benefit in the elderly hearing-impaired.

Preliminary clinical experiences with in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE-HAs) have been promising, and a beneficial effect has been demonstrated in younger hearing-impaired subjects. However, the subjects applying for audiological examination and rehabilitation are predominantly elderly people (i.e. greater than or equal to 70 years). The present questionnaire examination was performed in order to evaluate the use and benefit of ITE-HAs also in the elderly hearing-impaired, and compare with the effect in younger subjects. An extensive questionnaire was sent 6 months after hearing aid fitting to all patients fitted with ITE-HAs. A total number of 693 subjects corresponding to 80% responded to the questionnaire. 70% of the patients are greater than or equal to 70 years and 23% are above the age of 80 years. The results demonstrate that the elderly hearing-impaired use the hearing aids predominantly in situations when listening to television and in small groups; 64% use their hearing aids the whole day and only 6% never use the aids; with increasing age were indicated increasing handling problems, both concerning change of battery, handling of volume control, and insertion of the aid into the ear canal. Only 8% of the patients were dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the hearing aids, the dissatisfaction being more frequent in the young age group below 70 years (16%) than above the age of 70 years (9%). It is concluded that also the elderly hearing-impaired use and benefit from ITE-HAs.