On Thailand's REAT institute's experience in developing digital hearing aids for rural usage

Abstract

This paper discusses REAT institute's experience in developing alternative digitals hearing aids targeted for rural usage, where desirable features such as cost-effectiveness, ease of use and maintenance, and fully digital processing capability are imperative. The result shows that modern technology has reached the point where locally developed solutions that are complementary to existing products are feasible. Technological capability, however, is only part of the solution. Any successful hearing rehabilitation program, however, will also need strong leadership from doctors and audiologists, who are the professional experts, and a good servicing model