Results of 2011 Starkey Hearing Aid Study
Introduction
In 2011 Starkey, America's largest manufacturer of hearing instruments, partnered with Gardner Audiology to study consumer satisfaction with a new family of S model and Wi model hearing aids. All of these aids are 100% water resistant, employ noise reduction technology, directional microphones, and some models had wireless features for accessories and television listening. Both experienced and new hearing aid users were sought to wear the hearing aid model of their choice in exchange for sharing their experience on pre and post fitting questionnaires.
Over 2000 people have participated with Gardner in a variety of hearing aid field studies since 2005
Results
Most of the 450 participants of the 2011 Starkey Study had: 1. good satisfaction with their ability to hear TV at a volume that is comfortable to others. 2. significant improvement with hearing one on one conversation 3. Very good ability to understand conversation in a moving vehicle (Starkey's mechanical noise suppression is effective even in the lower priced models). All the aids worked very well with telephone listening. Many participants had more than a 100% improvement in their ability to hear in these situations.
The participants' perceived ability to understand in group conversation and in the presence of background noise (questions 3 & 4) were the most diverse aspect of our study. Those participants who were fitted with the premium Wi models (wireless fm with IQ noise suppression) experienced the highest levels of understanding in noise and group conversation. Their ability to hear in these situations began to decrease when they chose to be fitted with models that offered fewer amplifying channels and less noise suppression features.
Feedback (whistling screeching sounds) was not a problem with any of the Starkey hearing aids. Most all participants were satisfied with the comfort and appearance of their open fit behind the ear field study aids and, they appreciated their ability to confidently wear their aids in the wet and humid outdoor condition of Florida.
On average, over 65% of the participants in the Starkey study chose to buy their field study instruments. This is consistent with purchase trends in previous studies except for the Wi 70 model. It had a 16% increase in purchase.
Conclusion
According to Consumer Reports a person will find good value with hearing aids if, with the help of an audiologist, they choose a model that matches their needs and lifestyle. We think the results of our 2011 study validate Starkey's lifestyle guide to model selection. Participants with less active lifestyles were more than satisfied with any Starkey model, regardless of price or features. Participants with active and social lifestyles achieved the most satisfaction with Starkey Wi models.
This is What Have We Learned from 2000 Consumers
Our past studies along with this most recent Starkey Study reinforce these basic principles for hearing aid shoppers:
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Do not buy a hearing aid without directional microphones unless it disappears inside your ear canal.
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Do not buy a hearing aid if it whistles or squeals especially when you try to use a telephone.
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Consider a hearing aid that is impervious to damage from ear wax and moisture.
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There is a 100% chance that a hearing aid will improve your hearing but a 35% chance that you will not perceive enough value to justify the purchase. If possible try a hearing aid before you pay for it.
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The most expensive hearing aid may not be the best value for you. Most of the digital hearing aids sold today, regardless of price, perform well for people that have calm lifestyles. If you have a socially active lifestyle, choose a hearing aid with features to enhance this lifestyle. These features include maximum number of adjustable channels, bands, and proprietary noise suppression such as Starkey's Voice IQ technology.
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Wireless FM technology such as the Starkey Wi models is the best investment. This is the future of hearing aids. These aids will wirelessly connect to accessories such as hand held remote controls, computers, and television transmitters. They will give you the best hearing in any listening situation.
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Who you buy a hearing aid from is much more important that what you buy. There is no substitute for a hearing professional with education, knowledge and experience.
Please contact me if you want advice or have any questions about the 2011 Starkey Study or any other studies that we have completed.
We appreciate and offer thanks to the over 2000 Tampa Bay residents who have participated in our consumer satisfaction surveys and hearing aid field studies.
Dan Gardner M.S.
CEO/Audiologist
Gardner Audiology
1-800-277-1182