scholarly journals Listener Factors Explain Little Variability in Self-Adjusted Hearing Aid Gain

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 233121651983712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor T. Perry ◽  
Peggy B. Nelson ◽  
Dianne J. Van Tasell
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
The Self ◽  
External Ear ◽  
Time Commitment ◽  
Fitting Procedure ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Acceptable Noise Level ◽  
Subject Variability ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Self-adjustment of hearing aid gain can provide valuable information about the gain preferences of individual listeners, but these preferences are not well understood. Listeners with mild-to-moderate hearing loss used self-adjustment to select amplification gain and compression parameters in real time on a portable touch screen device while listening in quiet and noisy backgrounds. Adjustments to gain prescribed by the National Acoustics Laboratories' non-linear fitting procedure (NAL-NL2) showed large between-subject variability. Known listener characteristics (age, gender, hearing thresholds, hearing aid experience, acceptable noise level, and external ear characteristics) and listener engagement with the self-adjustment software were examined as potential predictors of this variability. Neither listener characteristics nor time spent adjusting gain were robust predictors of gain change from NAL-NL2. Listeners with less than 2 years of hearing aid experience and who also had better hearing thresholds tended to select less gain, relative to NAL-NL2, than experienced hearing aid users who had poorer thresholds. Listener factors explained no more than 10% of the between-subject variance in deviation from NAL-NL2, suggesting that modifying prescriptive fitting formulae based on the factors examined here would be unlikely to result in amplification parameters that are similar to user-customized settings. Self-adjustment typically took less than 3 min, indicating that listeners could use comparable technology without a substantial time commitment.

Evaluation of the Self-Fitting Process with a Commercially Available Hearing Aid

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (02) ◽  
pp. 109-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Convery ◽  
Gitte Keidser ◽  
Mark Seeto ◽  
Margot McLelland
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
The Self ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Fitting Procedure ◽  
Fitting Hearing Aids

Background: Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products that are designed to be self-fitted by the user at home are becoming increasingly available in the online marketplace. While these devices are often marketed as a low-cost alternative to traditional hearing health-care, little is known about people’s ability to successfully use and manage them. Previous research into the individual components of a simulated self-fitting procedure has been undertaken, but no study has evaluated performance of the procedure as a whole using a commercial product. Purpose: To evaluate the ability of a group of adults with a hearing loss to set up a pair of commercially available self-fitting hearing aids for their own use and to investigate factors associated with a successful outcome. Research Design: An interventional study that used regression analysis to identify potential contributors to the outcome. Study Sample: Forty adults with mild to moderately severe hearing loss participated in the study: 20 current hearing aid users (the “experienced” group) and 20 with no previous amplification experience (the “new” group). Twenty-four participants attended with partners, who were present to offer assistance with the study task as needed. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants followed a set of written, illustrated instructions to perform a multistep self-fitting procedure with a commercially available self-fitting hearing aid, with optional assistance from a lay partner. Standardized measures of cognitive function, health literacy, locus of control, hearing aid self-efficacy, and manual dexterity were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the proportion of participants in each group who successfully performed the self-fitting procedure, factors that predicted successful completion of the task, and the contributions of partners to the outcome. Results: Fifty-five percent of participants were able to successfully perform the self-fitting procedure. Although the same success rate was observed for both experienced and new participants, the majority of the errors relating to the hearing test and the fine-tuning tasks were made by the experienced participants, while all of the errors associated with physically customizing the hearing aids and most of the insertion errors were made by the new participants. Although the majority of partners assisted in the self-fitting task, their contributions did not significantly influence the outcome. Further, no characteristic or combination of characteristics reliably predicted which participants would be successful at the self-fitting task. Conclusions: Although the majority of participants were able to complete the self-fitting task without error, the provision of knowledgeable support by trained personnel, rather than a fellow layperson, would most certainly increase the proportion of users who are able to achieve success. Refinements to the instructions and the physical design of the hearing aid may also serve to improve the success rate. Further evaluation of the range of self-fitting hearing aids that are now on the market should be undertaken.

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 Contralateral Occlusion Test (COT): the effect of external ear canal occlusion with aging

CoDAS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Roque Reis ◽  
Luís Castelhano ◽  
Filipe Correia ◽  
Pedro Escada
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Tuning Fork ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
External Ear ◽  
Ear Canal ◽  
Occlusion Test ◽  
External Ear Canal ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
And Gender

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effects of complete external ear canal occlusion on hearing thresholds with aging. The goal was to decide which tuning fork is more appropriate to use for the contralateral occlusion test (COT), in individuals of different ages. Methods Forty-two normal hearing subjects between 21 and 67 years were divided into three age groups (20-30 years, 40-50 years, and 60-70 years). Participants underwent sound field audiometry tests with warble tones, with and without ear canal occlusion. Each ear was tested with the standard frequencies (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz). The contralateral ear was suppressed by masking. Results Hearing thresholds showed an increase as the frequency increased from 20.85 dB (250 Hz, 20-30 years group) to 48 dB (2000 Hz, 60-70 years group). The threshold differences between occlusion and no occlusion conditions were statistically significant and increased ranging from 11.1 dB (250 Hz, 20-30 years group) to 32 dB (2000 Hz, 20-30 years group). We found statistically significant differences for the three age groups and for all evaluations except to 500 Hz difference and average difference. The mean hearing loss produced by occlusion at 500 Hz was approximately 19 dB. We found no statistically significant differences between right and left ears and gender for all measurements. Conclusion We conclude that the use of the 512 Hz tuning fork is the most suitable for COT, and its use may allow clinicians to distinguish mild from moderate unilateral conductive hearing loss.

scholarly journals Vibrant Soundbridge and Bone Conduction Hearing Aid in Patients with Bilateral Malformation of External Ear

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 034-038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mondelli ◽  
Thais Mariano ◽  
Heitor Honório ◽  
Rubens Brito
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
External Ear ◽  
Vibrant Soundbridge ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Bone Conduction Hearing ◽  
Bone Conduction Hearing Aid

Introduction Hearing loss is the most common clinical finding in patients with malformation of the external ear canal. Among the possibilities of treatment, there is the adaptation of hearing aids by bone conduction and the adaptation of implantable hearing aids. Objective To assess speech perception with the use of Vibrant Soundbridge (VBS - MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) associated with additional amplification in patients with bilateral craniofacial malformation. Method We evaluated 11 patients with bilateral malformation over 12 years with mixed hearing loss or bilateral conductive. They were using the Softband (Oticon Medical, Sweden) and bone conduction hearing aid in the ear opposite the one with the VSB. We performed the evaluation of speech perception using the Hearing in Noise Test. Results Participants were eight men and three women with a mean of 19.5 years. The signal / noise ratio presented significant results in patients fitted with VSB and bone conduction hearing aid. Conclusion The results of speech perception were significantly better with use of VBS combined with bone conduction hearing aids.

Advantages of a New Miniature Hearing Aid for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

1999 ◽  
Vol 109 (12) ◽  
pp. 1919-1923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Goode ◽  
Jodi Krusemark
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

scholarly journals Application of Acceptable Noise Level to Confirm Fitting Strategy for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
Sunghwa You ◽  
Jihyun Lee ◽  
Woojae Han ◽  
Young Joon Seo
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Fitting Procedure ◽  
Permissible Range ◽  
Acceptable Noise Level ◽  
Fitting Procedures ◽  
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid ◽  
Present Case Study

Since there is no standardized fitting procedure for bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) patients, many clinics have failed to perform their successful fitting. The present case study tried to identify whether acceptable noise level (ANL) was clinically applied as one of fitting procedures for the BAHA users. Four hearing-impaired adults with BAHA (3 female and 1 male) who had a period of hearing deprivation for at least 8 years and the BAHA experience of more than 1 year participated. They conducted ANL in their unaided and aided BAHA conditions after being familiar with the ANL instruction. Also, the subjects responded to a self-report of Korean version of Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (K-PHAB) to subjectively check amount of satisfaction with BAHA. Compared to the unaided condition, two out of four BAHA users showed a decreased ANL in the aided condition whereas the other users had a slightly increased ANL. Regardless, their levels were examined within the permissible range except for one subject. Their K-PHAB scores were similar to the ANL results in the aided condition. Although measured ANLs were slightly differed from the users, the current results suggest that ANL might be a tool to measure individual’s inherent value when the BAHA fitting being appropriated while also supported by K-PHAB scores. In the following study, we need to confirm a typical pattern of many BAHA users with longitudinal measures of ANL.

Clinical Application and Psychometric Properties of a Norwegian Questionnaire for the Self-Assessment of Communication in Quiet and Adverse Conditions Using Two Revised APHAB Subscales

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (01) ◽  
pp. 025-034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peder O. Laugen Heggdal ◽  
Øyvind Nordvik ◽  
Jonas Brännström ◽  
Flemming Vassbotn ◽  
Anne Kari Aarstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
The Self ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Communication Ability ◽  
Hearing Aid Benefit

AbstractDifficulty in following and understanding conversation in different daily life situations is a common complaint among persons with hearing loss. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no published validated Norwegian questionnaire available that allows for a self-assessment of unaided communication ability in a population with hearing loss.The aims of the present study were to investigate a questionnaire for the self-assessment of communication ability, examine the psychometric properties of this questionnaire, and explore how demographic variables such as degree of hearing loss, age, and sex influence response patterns.A questionnaire based on the subscales of the Norwegian translation of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit was applied to a group of hearing aid users and normal-hearing controls.A total of 108 patients with bilateral hearing loss, and 101 controls with self-reported normal hearing.The psychometric properties were evaluated. Associations and differences between outcome scores and descriptive variables were examined. A regression analysis was performed to investigate whether descriptive variables could predict outcome.The measures of reliability suggest that the questionnaire has satisfactory psychometric properties, with the outcome of the questionnaire correlating to hearing loss severity, thus indicating that the concurrent validity of the questionnaire is good.The findings indicate that the proposed questionnaire is a valid measure of self-assessed communication ability in both quiet and adverse listening conditions in participants with and without hearing loss.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Effectiveness of Advanced Hearing Aid Directional and Noise Reduction Technologies for Older Adults With Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 805-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsiang Wu ◽  
Elizabeth Stangl ◽  
Octav Chipara ◽  
Syed Shabih Hasan ◽  
Sean DeVries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

scholarly journals Exploring the Limits of Frequency Lowering

2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 1349-1363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela E. Souza ◽  
Kathryn H. Arehart ◽  
James M. Kates ◽  
Naomi B. H. Croghan ◽  
Namita Gehani
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Frequency Hearing Loss ◽  
Frequency Compression ◽  
Cutoff Frequencies ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Purpose This study examined how frequency lowering affected sentence intelligibility and quality for adults with postlingually acquired, mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Method Listeners included adults aged 60–92 years with sloping sensorineural hearing loss and a control group of similarly aged adults with normal hearing. Sentences were presented in quiet and babble at a range of signal-to-noise ratios. Intelligibility and quality were measured with varying amounts of frequency lowering, implemented using a form of frequency compression. Results Moderate amounts of compression, particularly with high cutoff frequencies, had minimal effects on sentence intelligibility. Listeners with the greatest high-frequency hearing loss showed the greatest benefit. Sentence intelligibility decreased with more compression. Listeners were more affected by a given set of parameters in noise than in quiet. In quiet, any amount of compression resulted in lower speech quality for most listeners, with the greatest degradation for listeners with better high-frequency hearing. Quality ratings were lower with background noise, and in noise, the effect of changing compression parameters was small. Conclusions The benefits of frequency lowering in adults were affected by the compression parameters as well as individual hearing thresholds. The data are consistent with the idea that frequency lowering can be viewed in terms of improved audibility versus increased distortion trade-off.

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