Practice Trends for Hearing Aid Fitting for Adults Among Audiologists in India: A Survey

Audiologists are hearing healthcare specialists dedicated to the rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss by prescribing the appropriate amplification devices. The process of choosing and fitting hearing aids involves several steps for which standardized guidelines have been issued. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the patterns of practice employed by Indian audiologists in the evaluation and fitting of hearing aids for adults. The survey was conducted using an Online questionnaire and distributed to Audiologists practicing in different parts of India via Google form link between April-August 2020. In all, 158 Audiologists participated in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 48 questions distributed over seven domains which included Respondent's Profile, Hearing aid fitting experience with Adults, Assessment protocols, Hearing aid selection, Hearing aid fitting, Hearing aid verification, and Skills and Confidence levels of Audiologists. The findings of the study revealed varying practice trends, particularly during the stages of hearing aid verification and validation. There were also differences in the Audiologists' proficiency and confidence in carrying out the various stages of fitting hearing aids.