Efficacy of Remote Hearing Aids Programming Using Teleaudiology: A Systematic Review
E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks
Ba Mashmous, M. H. A. (2022).
E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 11(1), 14-33.
This systematic review investigates the advantages and disadvantages of remote hearing aid programming in adults, 18 years and older. This review also investigates the level of satisfaction reported by teleaudiology patients.
Not stated
From database inception to August 10, 2021
Original prospective clinical trials, retrospective clinical trials, quasi-trials, randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, matched-cohort studies, case reports, and case series
7
<div>Remote programming of hearing aids showed comparable results to traditional, in-person programming, even for new, inexperienced hearing aid patients. Some studies reported barriers to successful teleaudiology implementation such as technological limitations, insufficient equipment specifications, or internet access issues. Overall, programming hearing aids remotely provided a feasible, time-saving solution for individuals with hearing loss.<br><br>Limitations of this review include the limited number of included studies, the lack of consistently reported outcomes data, and the lack of a standardized protocol.</div>
<div>Patients reported satisfaction with remote hearing aid programming and teleaudiology in the majority of studies (6/7). One study reported patient dissatisfaction with remote programming due to internet connection lags that negatively impacted interactions between the audiologist and patient.<br><br>Limitations of this review include the limited number of included studies, the lack of consistently reported outcomes data, and the lack of a standardized protocol.</div>
