Investigation of the current supply system for hearing aids at stores in Japan.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the status of the supply system for hearing aids at stores in Japan.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, observational study. We mailed questionnaires to 4502 hearing aid stores in Japan and analyzed the responses.

RESULTS

Of the 4502 stores, 1032 (23%) responded. Most stores accessed audiogram information and adjusted hearing aids using computer fitting software. Overall, 43% of the stores only used the manufacturer's original prescription formula to adjust the hearing aid, and 47% of stores lacked a device for measuring the frequency response of the hearing aids. Moreover, 20% of the stores lacked both a sound field threshold measurement system and a real-ear measurement device. Objective evaluations, including functional gain, rear-ear insertion gain, and frequency response data, were not performed by 14% stores. Speech-language-hearing therapists were present in only 5.6% stores.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed several key shortcomings in the hearing aid supply system at hearing aid stores in Japan.