Abstract
Binaural treatment using ear-level hearing aids was attempted in 172 (18%) out of 972 presbycusis patients aged 70 to 80 years, selection being based on the patients' motivation to carry through the binaural treatment, their hearing requirements, mental and physical state. A follow-up of 100 patients after a period of 1/2—2 years revealed that only about one-quarter used both hearing aids from morning till evening. Half of the patients used two hearing aids part of the day, while the remaining quarter had stopped using binaural amplification. Two per cent had given up using hearing aids. It is concluded that even under conditions where treatment with binaural hearing aids is provided without expense on the part of the patient, the drawback of using 2 hearing aids often outweights the advantages. An uncritical, general prescription does not appear justified.