Clinical Case · Foundation

First hearing aids for a sloping loss

Vignette

A 64-year-old reports difficulty following conversation in groups. Otoscopy and tympanometry are normal. The audiogram shows a symmetrical, gently sloping mild-to-moderate sensorineural loss.

Audiogram

-10020406080100120500 Hz1k Hz2k Hz4k HzHearing level (dB HL)
O Right earX Left ear
Estimated thresholds by ear. O = right, X = left.

Test findings

Good low-frequency hearing with a high-frequency slope; normal middle ear.

Diagnostic question

What is the most appropriate first fitting?