Temporary Threshold Shift Caused by Hearing Aid Use

1993 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Macrae
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Temporary Threshold Shift ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Modified Power Law

Temporary threshold shift (TTS) over a wide range of frequencies was found after 4 hours of hearing aid use by a 15-year-old student with severe sensorineural hearing loss who was using real-ear insertion gains 10 to 20 dB greater than those recommended by the current National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) procedure for selecting the gain and frequency response of hearing aids. Measurements were made of her noise exposure during hearing aid use with a noise dosimeter. The real-ear insertion response and input-output function of her hearing aid were measured with a real-ear gain analyzer and were used to calculate in-ear noise levels from the noise levels measured by the dosimeter. The amount of TTS could be predicted from the in-ear noise levels and the student’s hearing levels (HLs) by means of a mathematical model consisting of the Modified Power Law (MPL) of Humes and Jesteadt (1991) combined with equations for predicting TTS in listeners with normal hearing published by Mills, Gilbert, and Adkins (1979). The mean of the instantaneous A-weighted in-ear noise levels proved to be the appropriate equivalent continuous level (ECL) for use in the predictions. The MPL was also used to determine safety limits for TTS due to hearing aid use. The observed TTS exceeded the safety limits at all frequencies up to and including 2000 Hz. It was therefore considered desirable for the girl to use less gain at frequencies from 500 to 1500 Hz.

Prediction of Asymptotic Threshold Shift Caused by Hearing Aid Use

1994 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 1450-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Macrae
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Temporary Threshold Shift ◽  
High Input ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Ambient Sound ◽  
Ambient Levels

This study used a well-verified mathematical model to predict asymptotic temporary threshold shift (ATS) caused by hearing aid use. The model determined the amounts of ATS to be expected if real ear insertion gains (REIGs) recommended by the current National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) procedure are used. It also determined the consequences of use of excess REIG and of high input levels to hearing aids. If recommended REIGs are used and input levels are normal (average A-weighted input levels of about 61 dB SPL), ATS is unlikely to occur for clients who have typical audiograms with three-frequency average pure-tone thresholds (PTAs) less than 60 dB HL. For people with PTAs greater than 60 dB HL, small amounts of ATS can be expected to occur during hearing aid use, but these amounts of ATS are safe, that is, unlikely to be associated with permanent threshold shift (PTS) for individuals with all PTAs except those greater than about 100 dB HL. If REIGs are 15 dB greater than those recommended, the amounts of ATS will be unsafe for people with PTAs greater than about 80 dB HL. It appears unwise for clients who have this degree of hearing loss to use excess REIG. The use of excess REIG in high ambient levels of sound (average A-weighted input levels of about 75 dB SPL) is likely to cause PTS for hearing aid users with PTAs of about 50 dB HL or greater. Clients who prefer to use excess REIG should therefore avoid high ambient sound levels. The amount of amplification required for people with PTAs greater than about 100 dB HL is likely to cause PTS and is therefore inherently unsafe.

Temporary and Permanent Threshold Shift Caused by Hearing Aid Use

1995 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 949-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Macrae
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Good Agreement

Excessive amplification by hearing aids causes temporary threshold shift (TTS) and permanent threshold shift (PTS). This investigation addressed the question whether it might be possible to predict the eventual amount of PTS caused by excessive amplification from the amount of TTS it causes after a day of hearing aid use. Asymptotic TTS (ATS) to be expected as a result of hearing aid use was predicted for 8 children with sensorineural hearing loss and the predicted ATS was compared with observed permanent deterioration of their thresholds attributed to hearing aid use. There was good agreement between the predicted ATS and observed PTS at 500 to 2000 Hz. It follows that, for prediction of PTS caused by hearing aid use, the mean of the sound levels produced in the ear by the hearing aid is the correct equivalent continuous level (ECL) to use and that the Modified Power Law (MPL) is the appropriate method of adjusting the predictions for sensorineural hearing loss, because these have been shown to be appropriate for prediction of TTS caused by hearing aid use. Predictions of the PTS to be expected for the children that were carried out using the MPL and the mean level as the ECL were in good agreement with the observed PTS at 500 to 2000 Hz, whereas predictions of PTS based on an alternative method of correction for sensorineural hearing loss (the Continuation Hypothesis) were significantly less than the observed amounts. The results of the PTS predictions therefore confirmed the conclusions drawn from the results of the ATS predictions.

An Investigation of Temporary Threshold Shift Caused by Hearing Aid Use

1994 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 227-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Macrae
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Temporary Threshold Shift ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Gain Reduction ◽  
The Mathematical Model ◽  
Békésy Audiometry ◽  
Modified Power Law

Temporary threshold shift (TTS) caused by hearing aid use was measured by Bekesy audiometry in a group of individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss. The accuracy with which a mathematical model consisting of the Modified Power Law (MPL) (Humes & Jesteadt, 1991) combined with equations for predicting TTS in normal listeners (Mills, Gilbert, & Adkins, 1979) could predict the TTS was evaluated. When the exponent of the MPL was set to 0.15, the predicted TTS was significantly greater than the observed TTS at two out of six frequencies. When the exponent was increased to 0.20, there were no significant differences between the predictions and the observations. With this value of the exponent, the mathematical model was able to predict the observed TTS as accurately as it could be measured. The MPL was used to derive safety limits for TTS, and gain reduction was recommended as the best method of reducing TTS to the safety limits.

Damage Risk: An Evaluation of the Effects of Exposure to 85 versus 90 dBA of Noise

1976 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
James T. Yates ◽  
Jerry D. Ramsey ◽  
Jay W. Holland
Keyword(s):  
White Noise ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Temporary Threshold Shift ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Potential Damage ◽  
Full Day ◽  
Damage Risk

The purpose of this study was to compare the damage risk of 85 and 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The damage risk of the two noise levels was determined by comparing the temporary threshold shift (TTS) of 12 subjects exposed to either 85 or 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent half- and full-day exposures. TTS was determined by comparing the pre- and postexposure binaural audiograms of each subject at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz. It was concluded that the potential damage risk, that is, hazardous effect, of 90 dBA is greater than 85 dBA of noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The statistical difference between the overall effects of equivalent exposures to 85 dBA as compared to 90 dBA of noise could not be traced to any one frequency. The damage risk of a full-day exposure to 85 dBA is equivalent to that of a half-day exposure to 90 dBA of noise. Within the limits of this study, TTS t was as effective as TTS 2 for estimating the damage risk of noise exposure.

Noise Exposure Associated With Hearing Aid Use in Industry

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Dolan ◽  
James F. Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
High Gain ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Weighted Averages ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Level Meter

Although noise may be innocuous in many vocational environments, there is a growing concern in industry that it can reach hazardous levels when amplified by hearing aids. This study examined the daily noise exposures associated with hearing aid use in industry. This was done by both laboratory and site measurements in which hearing aids were coupled to the microphone of an integrating sound level meter or dosimeter. The former method involved the use of recorded railroad and manufacturing noise and a Bruel and Kjaer 4128 Head and Torso simulator. In the latter procedure, a worker wore one of three hearing aids coupled to a dosimeter during 8-hour shifts in a manufacturing plant. Both methods demonstrated that even when amplified by mild-gain hearing aids, noise exposures rose from time-weighted averages near 80 dBA to well above the OSHA maximum of 90 dBA. The OSHA maximum was also exceeded when moderate and high gain instruments were worn in non-occupational listening environments. The results suggest that current OSHA regulations that limit noise exposure in sound field are inappropriate for hearing aid users.

Exploring the Relationship Between Hearing Aid Self-Efficacy and Hearing Aid Management

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittney A. Dullard ◽  
Kathleen M. Cienkowski
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Relationship

Hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the adult population. Hearing aids are an effective and common rehabilitation strategy for individuals with hearing loss. A wide range of factors, however, can hamper and even preclude successful hearing aid use. Self-efficacy, a concept that reflects perceptions of one's ability to perform particular tasks or behaviors, has been shown to be an important factor in the successful management of chronic illness including conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as arthritis and other sources of chronic pain. Improving or strengthening patients' self-efficacy beliefs can improve health outcomes. The role of self-efficacy in the management of hearing loss and hearing aids is still being explored; hence, the extent to which, and the ways in which, self-efficacy may be related to audiologic outcomes remains largely unexplained. The purpose of this article is to examine emerging evidence regarding the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and rehabilitation outcomes among adult hearing aid users and to discuss an apparent discrepancy between patients' reported self-efficacy and their demonstrated skill in managing hearing aids.

Prediction of Deterioration in Hearing due to Hearing Aid Use

1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 661-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Macrae
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Damage ◽  
The Cost

There is a definite risk of overamplification by hearing aids. Guidelines should therefore be established that will minimize the risk of damage to hearing involved in hearing aid use. A mathematical model that can be used for this purpose is derived from equations for predicting noise-induced permanent threshold shift given in International Standard ISO 1999 combined with the Modified Power Law. The model implies that any noise exposure that would cause deterioration of the hearing threshold levels of a person with normal hearing would also be harmful to the hearing of a person with sensorineural hearing impairment. It follows that, in order to ensure that no deterioration occurs in the hearing of a hearing aid user, the output levels from the aid must be such that they would not cause any damage to a person with normal hearing. This constraint can be met for hearing aid users with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss but cannot be met for users with severe-to-profound loss because it would result in the provision of insufficient gain, particularly at the higher frequencies. If the model is valid, then for this group, some appropriately small amount of hearing damage must be accepted as the cost of the advantages gained from the use of a hearing aid. Verification of the model is essential before the model is used in clinical practice to determine the risk of deterioration in hearing due to hearing aid use.

scholarly journals Effects of hearing aid on improving cognition and depressive symptoms in elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 639
Author(s):  
K. J. Arun Kumar ◽  
M. Vidyalakshmi
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of dementia among people aged over 60 years is between 5–7%, with the numbers of those affected globally predicted to double every 20 years between 2010 and 2050. While cognitive impairment and dementia have a negative impact on the individual, caregivers and society, the financial burden of cognitive decline and dementia are also a major source of concern. However, there is some cause for optimism in the form of potentially modifiable risk factors which can prevent or delay dementia. In this study we investigate the effect of hearing aid on improving cognition and depressive symptoms in elderly individuals with hearing impairment.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with hearing impairment were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and prescribed with similar type of hearing aid. MMSE and GDS scores were obtained before fitting hearing aid and 3 months after fitting hearing aid.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>A<strong> </strong>total number of 66 patients, 40 males (61%) and 26 females (39%) were included in the study. Before using hearing aids, the mean MMSE score was 18.98±5.37 (range 10–26), and it increased to 21.08±4.77 (range 12–27) after 3 months of hearing aid use (p&lt;0.005). The GDS analysis revealed a mean score of 6.85±2.81 (range 3–11) before using hearing aid and it decreased to 5.44±1.82 (range 3–8 after using the hearing aid (p&lt;0.005).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Treating hearing loss with hearing aid may reduce burden associated with cognitive decline and depression.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Sentence-Based Experience Logging in New Hearing Aid Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3S) ◽  
pp. 631-637
Author(s):  
Katja Lund ◽  
Rodrigo Ordoñez ◽  
Jens Bo Nielsen ◽  
Dorte Hammershøi
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Patient Experiences ◽  
Online Tool ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
Hearing Rehabilitation ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Shed Light

Purpose The aim of this study was to develop a tool to gain insight into the daily experiences of new hearing aid users and to shed light on aspects of aided performance that may not be unveiled through standard questionnaires. Method The tool is developed based on clinical observations, patient experiences, expert involvement, and existing validated hearing rehabilitation questionnaires. Results An online tool for collecting data related to hearing aid use was developed. The tool is based on 453 prefabricated sentences representing experiences within 13 categories related to hearing aid use. Conclusions The tool has the potential to reflect a wide range of individual experiences with hearing aid use, including auditory and nonauditory aspects. These experiences may hold important knowledge for both the patient and the professional in the hearing rehabilitation process.

Use of a Mild-Gain Hearing Aid by Middle-Age Normal-Hearing Adults Who Do and Do Not Self-Report Trouble Hearing in Background Noise

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-428
Author(s):  
Jasleen Singh ◽  
Karen A. Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hearing Problems

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess how the use of a mild-gain hearing aid can affect hearing handicap, motivation, and attitudes toward hearing aids for middle-age, normal-hearing adults who do and do not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Method A total of 20 participants (45–60 years of age) with clinically normal-hearing thresholds (< 25 dB HL) were enrolled in this study. Ten self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise, and 10 did not self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. All participants were fit with mild-gain hearing aids, bilaterally, and were asked to wear them for 2 weeks. Hearing handicap, attitudes toward hearing aids and hearing loss, and motivation to address hearing problems were evaluated before and after participants wore the hearing aids. Participants were also asked if they would consider purchasing a hearing aid before and after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Results After wearing the hearing aids for 2 weeks, hearing handicap scores decreased for the participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise. No changes in hearing handicap scores were observed for the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. The participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise also reported greater personal distress from their hearing problems, were more motivated to address their hearing problems, and had higher levels of hearing handicap compared to the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Only 20% (2/10) of the participants who self-reported trouble hearing in background noise reported that they would consider purchasing a hearing aid after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Conclusions The use of mild-gain hearing aids has the potential to reduce hearing handicap for normal-hearing, middle-age adults who self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. However, this may not be the most appropriate treatment option for their current hearing problems given that only 20% of these participants would consider purchasing a hearing aid after wearing hearing aids for 2 weeks.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document