The efficacy of the Prescription of Gain/Output (POGO) in fitting hearing aids to mild and moderate sensorineural hearing losses

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of the application of the Prescription of Gain/Output (POGO) in hearing aid fittings. Six subjects were tested. Each presented with binaural mild to moderate sensorineural hearing losses and were previously fitted monaurally with behind-the-ear aids using modifications of the traditional Carhart (1946) approach. Functional gain requirements stipulated by POGO were calculated from unaided thresholds and compared to actual functional gain measurements. Five subjects, whose functional gain measures were not within prescribed limits, were referred for modification of the gain and frequency responses of their hearing aids and earmoulds. Post-modified functional gain measurements were analysed. The extent to which the required functional gain measurements were met, was investigated statistically in relation to word recognition scores and subjective ratings of perceived benefit. The conclusion reached was that the application of POGO results in improved word recognition scores and self-reported user satisfaction.