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Amplification and Assistive Devices (AAD)

HS202 - Why Good Fits Fail: Unlocking Sound Preference as the Path to Success

Thursday, April 23, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST
Location: HearTECH Hub, Expo Halls 1 & 2, Street Level
Earn 0.05 CEUs
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    Lead Presenter(s)

  • Dana Helmink, AuD

    Senior Clinical Product Specialist
    Widex USA
    Elk Grove Village, Illinois

    Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

    PDF Slides
  • EB

    Eric Branda, AuD, PhD

    Head Audiology and Research
    WS Audiology

    Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose

    PDF Slides
Abstract: Why do technically "good" fittings still fail? Nearly 40% of patients have strong, non-negotiable sound preferences that cannot be predicted by the audiogram or lifestyle alone. When clinical recommendations don't align with how patients prefer sound to be delivered, satisfaction and adoption can suffer. Emerging research shows that matching hearing aid sound design to individual preferences may significantly improve outcomes. This course explores the science behind sound preference, examines distinct sound designs, and introduces practical tools clinicians can use to identify and apply patient preferences during the fitting process.

Summary:Why do technically "good" fittings still fail? Nearly 40% of patients have strong, non-negotiable sound preferences that cannot be predicted by the audiogram or lifestyle alone. When clinical recommendations don't align with how patients prefer sound to be delivered, satisfaction and adoption can suffer. Emerging research shows that matching hearing aid sound design to individual preference may significantly improve outcomes. This course explores the science behind sound preference, examines distinct sound designs, and introduces practical tools clinicians can use to identify and apply patient preferences during the fitting process.

Clinical Takeaways:The clinical takeaway for this session is that identifying and honoring patient sound preferences can transform hearing aid fittings from trial-and-error into a predictable, satisfaction-driven process.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the concept of sound preference and summarize key findings from large-scale clinical studies.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss the benefits of offering real choices between distinct sound designs aligned with patient sound preference.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate strategies for integrating sound preference into clinical workflows to enhance both patient experience and clinic success.