Validation of Hearing Aid Fittings by the Arizona Sonora Borders (ARSOBO) Projects for Inclusion

Abstract

The Arizona Sonora Border (ARSOBO) Projects for Inclusion Hearing Healthcare clinic provides comprehensive audiologic evaluations and low-cost hearing aids to individuals in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. After identifying the need for a fitting guide to properly adjust the hearing aids, we collected 110 patient audiograms and grouped the six most common configurations of hearing loss. Using simulated real-ear measures, we fit the hearing aids to each of the six common configurations of hearing loss, and recorded the appropriate settings to serve as a starting point for future hearing aid fittings. In an effort to determine the success of these hearing aid fittings (and others performed by the ARSOBO Hearing Healthcare program), we administered 29 questionnaires assessing hearing aid effectiveness. The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) was the chosen outcome measure due to its international applicability and quick and simple format. In general, the hearing health care provided by ARSOBO yielded positive outcomes and favorable outcomes in each category of the IOI-HA. Potential confounding variables, limitations and future directions of the program are outlined. Additionally, the specific results of these outcome measures and the implications of our project/fitting guide on humanitarian audiology is discussed.