Comparison of different measurements of the benefit in hearing aid fitting using the APHAB

Abstract

Background- Questionnaires measuring the subjective outcome of hearing aid benefit are used in diagnostics of hearing loss additionally. Since 2012, the APHAB is part of the quality agreement for statutory insured patients in hearing aid fitting. Actually, calculating the benefit by the given formula (improvement quotient A) causes distortion by patients with negative results. In general, these dues to misinterpretation of the results. In this study, we proposed two alternative ways of calculation and compared the results together. Methods Using the data of 6861 hearing aid fitted patients from a database, we calculated the benefit by A and two new formulas (improvement quotient B and cumulated benefit) and compared the results together. Results The average for A was -29.02% (SD ±47.94) and a minimum of -637.93%. The average for B was -13.42% (SD ±13.14) and a minimum of -78,63. No relevant differences by calculating the improvement quotients between A and B occurred. The average APHAB-score (EC-, BN-, and RV-subscale) was 50.70 before and 29.29 after hearing aid fitting, the average of the cumulated benefit was 21.41. Conclusions Quotient B avoids the intrinsic potential of distortion of A in favor of patients with negative results in hearing aid benefit. It would be useful for the further developing of the quality agreement if B in exchange for A and, in addition, the cumulated benefit should be used.