Abstract
The age of individuals seeking NHS aids has risen steadily since the service was commenced, and the median age is now over 70 years. The major type of hearing loss observed is sensorineural, but a substantial proportion of hearing aid candidates still have a significant conductive element in their hearing loss. This latter group of patients tend to be significantly younger than those without middle ear involvement. The hearing loss when applying for a hearing aid tends to be around 50 dB but is age dependent, younger subjects coming with smaller hearing losses.
The most disturbing information obtained on questioning applicants was the long time lapse between recognition of hearing impairment and application for a hearing aid. This averaged almost ten years. The true delay is probably considerably greater than this and must have a substantial bearing on the outcome of hearing aid fitting. Public education and counselling of hearing aid users are suggested as vital needs.