gms | German Medical Science

The appraisal of the supply with hearing aids differs from other appraisals, because the expert has to rely on the fitting of the hearing aids by the acoustician. Here we focus on the resulting problems which do not occur with appraisals in proceedings concerning vocational diseases or invalidity. Using examples of social low appraisals concerning the fitting of hearing aids we discuss the aspects as follows. The expert can appraise on the basis of only one pair of hearing aids while the other hearing aids used in a comparing process are not available. This is, the selection of correct alternative types of hearing aids is only restrictedly accessible. Here, the expert has to trust on the report of the acoustician. The question if a hearing aid is required only at the current job or at all occupations is essential for the refunding by the pension insurance. Thus, the expert is also limited assessing this aspect. Further, it is not ratable by ENT physicians, if providing a patient by a basic hearing aid may cause to health disorders (including psychological disorders). It is further problematic which features are essential for the professionalism and at what extend they are included in basic hearing aids. The collaboration of physicians and acousticians in the process of fitting hearing aids in the appraisal of the supply with hearing aids causes uncertainties, which, in many cases, can not be compensated by reviewing the literature or the laws.