A Position Statement on the Treatment of Hearing Impairment, Focused on Hearing Aids, From the Korean Otological Society Hearing Aid Study Group

Jeon Mi Lee; Seung-Ho Shin; Myung-Whan Suh; Seong Joon Choi; You-Ree Shin; Yong-Hwi An; Jungmin Ahn; Heil Noh; Il Joon Moon; Moo Kyun Park; Shi Nae Park; Hantai Kim; Dong-Hee Lee

doi:10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e182

A Position Statement on the Treatment of Hearing Impairment, Focused on Hearing Aids, From the Korean Otological Society Hearing Aid Study Group

J Korean Med Sci. 2025 Jun 16;40(23):e182. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e182.

Authors

Jeon Mi Lee¹, Seung-Ho Shin², Myung-Whan Suh³, Seong Joon Choi⁴, You-Ree Shin⁵, Yong-Hwi An⁶, Jungmin Ahn⁷, Heil Noh⁸, Il Joon Moon⁹, Moo Kyun Park³, Shi Nae Park¹⁰, Hantai Kim¹¹, Dong-Hee Lee¹²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.
² Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
³ Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
⁴ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
⁵ Soree Ear Clinic - Gangdong Center, Seoul, Korea.
⁶ Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
⁷ Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
⁸ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea.
⁹ Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
¹⁰ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
¹¹ Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konyang University Hospital, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
¹² Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea. leedh0814@catholic.ac.kr.

Abstract

Hearing impairment not only diminishes sound perception but also leads to various secondary disabilities; therefore, proper management is crucial for individual well-being and socioeconomic savings. This study establishes an expert consensus on the treatment of hearing impairment, primarily concentrating on hearing aids (HAs), to assist physicians. A modified nominal group technique was used to collect expert opinions about the management of hearing impairment with HAs. The expert panel consisted of 13 otologists from the Korean Otological Society Hearing Aid Study Group. The panel formulated and examined 12 subtopics, with each statement evaluated for consensus using a 9-point Likert scale. Statements with strong consensus were preserved, and those with weak consensus were either discarded or deliberated until agreement was achieved. The position statement discusses essential elements of HA utilization: candidacy, prescription, fitting, maintenance, and verification. It further offers direction on audiological and medical assessments, along with the qualifications and responsibilities of HA practitioners. The statement underscores the need for verification techniques, including coupler and real ear measurements, and stresses the importance of auditory rehabilitation for HA users. Furthermore, it examines the function of HAs in addressing tinnitus and hyperacusis and provides guidance for the management of hearing impairment resulting from external or middle ear complications. This position statement presents a thorough and organized methodology for addressing hearing impairment with HAs. It functions as a crucial resource for physicians, offering information vital to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing impairment and the management of related diseases. This declaration advocates for a comprehensive approach that combines professional skill, patient awareness, and societal support to effectively manage hearing impairment.

Keywords: Consensus Development; Hearing Aids; Hearing Impairment; Nominal Group Technique.

MeSH terms

Consensus
Hearing Aids*
Hearing Loss* / diagnosis
Hearing Loss* / rehabilitation
Hearing Loss* / therapy
Humans
Republic of Korea
Societies, Medical
Tinnitus