Long-term use of hearing aids in patients with presbyacusis.

The aim of this study was to determine how the use of a hearing aid in presbyacusis varied with the passage of time. A questionnaire survey of patients with presbyacusis who had been fitted with a monaural behind the ear NHS hearing aid for the first time was undertaken. The patients were divided into six groups ranging from 6 months to 5 years after fitting. Overall regular long-term use of the hearing aid was found in the majority of patients with presbyacusis. The main drop-out point was within the first year after fitting the hearing aid. The study furthermore revealed a relatively high demand for further help and advice with the hearing aid in all groups.