scholarly journals Pilot Comparison of Adjustment Protocols of Personal Sound Amplification Products

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (01) ◽  
pp. 026-036
Author(s):  
Antoinette Oliver ◽  
Nirmal Srinivasan ◽  
Frank Lin ◽  
Peggy Korczak ◽  
Nicholas Reed
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Direct To Consumer ◽  
Professional Outcomes ◽  
Fitting Procedures ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Sound Amplification ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

AbstractThe Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 was signed into law in August 2017 and facilitates the introduction of direct-to-consumer sales of hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Among many questions surrounding over-the-counter sales is the ability of users to self-fit amplification. Many studies have conducted self-fitting procedures using guidance materials provided by audiologists. In this pilot, we explore the ability of users to self-adjust personal sound amplification devices using only materials provided by the manufacturer and contrast this with models that involve a hearing professional. Outcomes to assess adjustments included clinic-based speech-in-noise measures and ability to approximate NAL-NL2 prescriptive targets. We found that an audiologist-driven model provided the best outcomes. However, it is unknown if the difference is clinically meaningful.

scholarly journals Disruptive Hearing Technologies and Mild Sensorineural Hearing Loss II: Current Research on Affordable Hearing Technologies and Direct-to-Consumer Models

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (02) ◽  
pp. 146-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Johnson ◽  
Jeffrey Danhauer ◽  
Anna Jilla
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Direct To Consumer ◽  
Service Delivery Models ◽  
Delivery Models ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

AbstractRecently, President Trump signed into law the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Reauthorization Act of 2017, which included the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act designed to provide greater public accessibility to and affordability of amplification for individuals with self-identified mild and moderate hearing loss through the provision of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids (HAs) with a direct-to-consumer (DTC) delivery model. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and American Academy of Audiology Position Statements on OTC HAs state that these devices should only be used for adults with mild hearing losses. DTC amplification and service delivery has been available to consumers in a variety of forms for a significant period of time. However, FDA-regulated OTC HAs will not be available as described in the new law until the FDA publishes the required guidance related to the technology, safety, and labeling of such devices. With the clear similarities in mind between present and future amplification options, a literature search was conducted to review studies assessing outcomes for low-cost and DTC HAs and service-delivery models to inform what we may expect as OTC HAs enter the market. Nine studies were identified which assessed: (1) electroacoustic capabilities of low-cost and DTC HAs, (2) use of these devices in field trials, or (3) efficacy of DTC models. None of the studies reported outcomes specifically for participants with mild hearing loss. The studies had poor external validity because none included all factors that would exist in realistic uses of OTC HAs within a DTC model. Additional research will be needed as OTC HAs become available and different delivery models are proposed.

scholarly journals Applying the COM-B Model to Assess the Usability of Smartphone-Connected Listening Devices in Adults with Hearing Loss

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (05) ◽  
pp. 417-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Maidment ◽  
Yasmin H. K. Ali ◽  
Melanie A. Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Sound Amplification ◽  
Fine Tune ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

AbstractUnlike conventional hearing aids, smartphone-connected listening devices may require limited or no input from a trained audiologist in terms of device programming and adjustment. However, there is a lack of peer-reviewed evidence assessing the real-world perspectives of people living with hearing loss toward such technological innovations.This study assessed the everyday experiences of adults living with hearing loss toward a range of smartphone-connected listening devices using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model as a theoretical framework.A qualitative study where participants trialed one of the following smartphone-connected listening devices for two weeks in their everyday lives: made-for-smartphone hearing aid, personal sound amplification product, and smartphone “hearing aid” app with wired earphones or wireless hearable. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted.Twenty adults (13 male and 7 female; mean age = 62.25 years, SD = 11.59) with mild-to-moderate hearing loss (mean better ear pure-tone average = 30.49 dB HL, SD = 17.51) were recruited using a convenience sampling strategy. All participants owned conventional hearing aids.The data were analyzed using an established deductive thematic analysis procedure within the context of the COM-B model. The model stipulates that for individuals to engage in a particular behavior (B), they must have sufficient capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M). Capability: One of the key advantages facilitating use and adherence of smartphone-connected listening devices was the ability for participants to make fine-tune adjustments in any listening situation. Opportunity: Participants commented that these devices could address issues surrounding stigma as smartphones are ubiquitous in everyday life. Motivation: Participants consistently reported that the ability to make adjustments via a smartphone provided them with a greater sense of autonomy and empowerment. As a result, they felt more in control of their hearing loss.This study lays the foundation for further high-quality research to explore whether smartphone-connected technologies have the potential to yield optimum benefits for people living with hearing loss.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Self-Fitting Tool for User-Driven Fitting of Hearing Aids

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10596
Author(s):  
Matjaž Debevc ◽  
Mark Žmavc ◽  
Michael Boretzki ◽  
Martina Schüpbach-Wolf ◽  
Hans-Ueli Roeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Underdeveloped Countries ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Fitting Procedures ◽  
Double Blinded ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Hearing aids can be effective devices to compensate for age- or non-age-related hearing losses. Their overall adoption in the affected population is still low, especially in underdeveloped countries in the subpopulation experiencing milder hearing loss. One of the major reasons for low adoption is the need for repeated complex fitting by professional audiologists, which is often not completed for various reasons. As a result, self-fitting procedures have been appearing as an alternative. Key open questions with these digital tools are linked to their effectiveness, utilized algorithms, and achievable end-results. A digital self-fitting prototype tool with a novel quick four-step fitting workflow was evaluated in a study on 19 individuals with moderate hearing loss. The tool was evaluated in a double-blinded, randomized study, having two study aims: comparing traditional audiological fitting with the new self-fitting tool, which can also be used as a remote tool. The main reported results show moderately high usability and user satisfaction obtained during self-fitting, and quasi-equivalence of the performance of the classical audiological fitting approach. The digital self-fitting tool enables multiple sessions and easy re-fitting, with the potential to outperform the classical fitting approach.

scholarly journals Unilateral hearing loss and the use of hearing aid: speech recognition, benefit, self-perception of functional performance and satisfaction

Revista CEFAC ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidiéli Dalla Costa ◽  
Sinéia Neujahr dos Santos ◽  
Maristela Julio Costa
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Unilateral Hearing Loss ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Sound Amplification

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate speech recognition in silence and in noise in subjects with unilateral hearing loss with and without hearing aids, and to analyze the benefit, self-perception of functional performance, satisfaction and the use of hearing aids in these subjects. Methods: eleven adults with unilateral, mixed and sensorineural, mild to severe hearing loss participated in this study. Speech recognition was evaluated by the Brazilian Portuguese sentences lists test; functional performance of the hearing was assessed by using the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale questionnaire; satisfaction was assessed by the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire, both in Brazilian Portuguese; and to assess the use of hearing aids, the patient's report was analyzed. Results: the adaptation of hearing aids provided benefits in speech recognition in all positions evaluated, both in silence and in noise. The subjects did not report major limitations in communication activities with the use of hearing aids. They were satisfied with the use of sound amplification. Most of the subjects did not use hearing aids, effectively. The discontinuity of hearing aids use can be justified by the difficulty on perceiving participation’s restriction caused by hearing loss, as well as the benefit of the hearing aid, besides the concern with batteries’ costs and aesthetic aspects. Conclusion: although showing benefits in speech recognition, in silence and in noise, and satisfaction with sound amplification, most subjects with unilateral hearing loss do not effectively use hearing aids.

scholarly journals Effect of rehabilitation training on an elderly population with mild to moderate hearing loss: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 582
Author(s):  
Parisa Rasouli Fard ◽  
Farnoush Jarollahi ◽  
Seyyed Jalal Sameni ◽  
Mohammad Kamali
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rehabilitation Training ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Background: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a form of hearing loss in over 60-year-olds and has a negative impact on quality of life. The pathophysiology of presbycusis is multifactorial and is predominately characterised with a loss of speech perception in noise. In the cochlea, auditory filters decompose broadband sound into a series of narrowband output signals, which contains two kinds of temporal information: slow changes in overall amplitude envelope (ENV) and faster variations in temporal fine structure (TFS). TFS is important for recognition of target speech in noise. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of TFS rehabilitation training in participants over the age of 60 years with mild to moderate hearing loss. Methods: A randomised clinical trial  conduct on 30 participants with mild (loss of 20-39dB) to moderate (40-69dB) hearing loss, aged between 60 and 75 years old. Participants with conductive hearing loss, abnormal middle ear pathology and central nerve system disease were excluded. Participants were randomly selected to an intervention and control group with a 1:1 ratio. Rehabilitation for the intervention Group are 30-minute sessions three times a week for a total five weeks of vowel consonant vowel words that are used to eliminate ENV and keep only TFS. Word in noise test, binaural TFS test, and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale scores are performed at the beginning and end of study to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training. Conclusion:  Life expectancy in the elderly has improved, leading to an increased prevalence of age-related diseases including presbycusis. A literature review highlighted that TFS damage is permanent; however, in this study we will attempt to prove that TFS training may lead to speech in noise perception restored. Trial registration: Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2019625044006N1 (7th August 2019).

scholarly journals Real-World Performance of a Reverse-Horn Vent

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (09) ◽  
pp. 653-661
Author(s):  
Francis Kuk ◽  
Denise Keenan ◽  
Chi-Chuen Lau ◽  
Nick Dinulescu ◽  
Richard Cortez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Subjective Ratings ◽  
High Frequency Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Objective Performance ◽  
Occlusion Effect

The present study compared differences in subjective and objective performance in completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids with conventional uniform 1.5 mm parallel vents and another with a reverse horn vent where the diameter increased from 1.5 mm on the lateral faceplate to 3 mm on the medial opening of the hearing aid. Nine hearing-impaired persons with a high-frequency hearing loss participated. The test battery included unaided in situ thresholds, amount of available gain before feedback, speech in quiet, speech in noise (HINT), subjective ratings of hollowness and tolerance, objective measures of the occlusion effect, and real-ear aided response. Results showed less available gain before feedback but less occlusion effect for subjective ratings and objective measures with the reverse horn vent. This type of vent design may be useful to increase the effective vent diameter of custom (including CIC) hearing aids.

Prevalence and classification of asymmetric forms of sensorineural hearing loss in older age group

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
T. Yu. Vladimirova ◽  
◽  
A. B. Martynova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Age Group ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right

The significance of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) is due to a special approach to diagnosis, followed by the process of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation. Currently, there is no standard audiometric criterion for determining the forms of asymmetry, which significantly affects the assessment of the prevalence of ASNHL. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and classification of ASNHL forms in the older age group using two methods of calculation: 1) the difference in the average hearing threshold at speech frequencies (in the range of 0,5–4 kHz) ≥15 dB was detected in 14,14% of cases; 2) the different degree of hearing loss, according to the International classification, in the right and left ear was 35,98%. In most cases, asymmetry was manifested by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of varying severity, prevailing in the group of long-livers – 82,6%. Given the potentially high prevalence of asymmetry depending on the audiological criterion, the results of the work are a reason for further research in the development of a unified method for verifying a clinically significant form of ASNHL.

scholarly journals Hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie A Ferguson ◽  
Pádraig T Kitterick ◽  
Lee Yee Chong ◽  
Mark Edmondson-Jones ◽  
Fiona Barker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Low-Frequency Gain Compensation in Directional Hearing Aids

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Ricketts ◽  
Paula Henry
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Gain Compensation

Hearing aids currently available on the market with both omnidirectional and directional microphone modes often have reduced amplification in the low frequencies when in directional microphone mode due to better phase matching. The effects of this low-frequency gain reduction for individuals with hearing loss in the low frequencies was of primary interest. Changes in sound quality for quiet listening environments following gain compensation in the low frequencies was of secondary interest. Thirty participants were fit with bilateral in-the-ear hearing aids, which were programmed in three ways while in directional microphone mode: no-gain compensation, adaptive-gain compensation, and full-gain compensation. All participants were tested with speech in noise tasks. Participants also made sound quality judgments based on monaural recordings made from the hearing aid. Results support a need for gain compensation for individuals with low-frequency hearing loss of greater than 40 dB HL.

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