Get to know why take-home trials are not good for hearing loss patients
Take-Home Hearing Aids Trial?
In Singapore, a lot of hearing centres provide a ‘risk free’ take-home trial for their patients to let patients have a feeling of how hearing aids help them in the real-life environment. These take-home trial periods usually last around 7 to 20 days.
However, it’s important to know that a take-home trial period can be counterproductive.
Reason Why Take-Home Trial Period Can Be Counterproductive
Brain Adaptation
The main reason is brain adaptation. Hearing aids require the brain to relearn how to process sounds, which takes time—usually about three months of consistent use (8 hours/day recommended). A short trial period is not enough for proper adjustment. Hearing aids become fully effective after this period with regular professional adjustments.
Hearing care professionals often start with less than 100% amplification to help patients adjust gradually. Some may find the initial amplification (e.g., 80%) too soft, while others may find it too loud. This can make patients feel the hearing aids aren’t working, causing them to lose confidence and hesitate to use them.
Patient commitment and ownership
Users who own their hearing aids are often more committed to wearing them than those using trial sets [1]. Patient commitment is key in any rehabilitation journey, including hearing loss. Without it, results may fall short.
Trial periods allow patients to test hearing aids in real-life situations and experience their benefits. However, they may also suggest that commitment isn’t necessary if results aren’t immediate.
Returning hearing aids to try another brand is one thing, but what if they’re returned because the patient isn’t ready to commit to hearing loss rehabilitation? Are we, as hearing care professionals, making it too easy for patients to avoid wearing hearing aids when they need them? This is worth reflecting on.
References
- The Hearing Review. The Case Against a Trial Period. Retrieved 7th September, 2021 from https://www.hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/ite/the-case-against-a-trial-period.
How can we ensure patients benefit from hearing aids without a take-home trial?
Some say it’s impossible for hearing care professionals to verify or validate the benefits of hearing aids—but that’s not true. Tools like real ear measurement (verification) and questionnaires (validation) assess hearing aid performance.
The real benefits of hearing aids come from long-term use, not short trials. Wearing them is a journey that requires patience and commitment from patients, families, and professionals. Regular check-ups and adjustments are key to success.
It’s normal for first-time users to have concerns. A good hearing care professional will guide you to get the most out of your devices. If you have questions, reach out to your provider.
Consult Amazing Hearing Today
Amazing Hearing strongly discourages any patients seeking solutions for their hearing loss to take up trial set. Appropriate assessment and hearing aid recommendation should be explained during consultation.
Our team of experienced consultants and audiologists will be here to assist you through your hearing journey, which is a lifetime.
