Hearing Aids The Features Patients Are Asking For

By Kathy Mellott, AuD

According to Abram Bailey of Hearing Tracker, internet and iPhone connectivity may be the sizzle in today's hearing aid market, but sound quality is still the steak. That's one of many takeaways from a groundbreaking audiologist survey conducted this fall by

Hearing Tracker andUBS Evidence Lab, the research arm of global investment banking giant UBS AG.

The first-of-its-kind survey polled more than 360 audiologists on the brands and features hearing aid patients are asking for. The responses indicate that investments by major hearing aid brands in new high-performance sound processing technologies are paying off in more sales to consumers with hearing loss.

Better Sound Quality Still the Holy Grail

When asked what they considered the single-most important feature of a hearing aid, 56% of the audiologists responded with “sound quality,” followed by “reliability” (17%), “value for money” (12%), “service” (6%), “ease of use” (4%) and “ease of fit” (2%).

Only 1% of respondents rated “connectivity” as the most important attribute for consumers they are fitting with hearing aids.

Audiologists have graduate degrees in all aspects of hearing, diagnostics and rehabilitation. With so many choices in today's market, it is difficult to do it yourself. Audiologists are in the business to help people hear better and function better through better hearing. If you are experiencing hearing problems, or think that you are, consult an audiologist.