scholarly journals Hearing aid through skin sensory for profound deaf people

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Yasothei Suppiah ◽  
M Chandran Maruthan ◽  
Fazly Salleh Abas
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sensory System ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
Single Spectrum ◽  
Vibration Pattern ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Level

An individual with profound deafness or total hearing loss has a hearing threshold of 80dB or more. The ineffectiveness of hearing aids, surging costs and complex surgeries for cochlear implants have discouraged many to opt for these types of treatments. Hence, this research aims to provide an alternative hearing aid that stimulates “hearing” through the skin sensory, which is more affordable and accessible for the profoundly deaf or total hearing loss community. We have developed four initial vibrating transducers with single spectrum, which are strapped to a belt. The transducers pick up audible sounds through a microphone, amplifies the sound to a high-level signal, stimulating a vibration pattern on the human skin sensory. The belt was tested on 30 random people who identified as normal, partial, and profoundly deaf. When the belt was strapped to the individual’s waist, audible sound was played (stimulus) and the individual was asked whether   he/she can feel a stimulation or vibration on their skin, and if so, state the sound source direction. Based on the test, all individuals were able to feel the vibrating stimulation on their skin, and they were also able to state the directions accurately. The various vibrating pattern that stimulates the human sensory system for the profoundly deaf can be learned over time, which could serve as useful information. However, interpreting and identifying the different types of vibrating pattern perceived through the skin remains a huge challenge for profoundly deaf people. As hearing through skin sensory is a very new area of research, there are very limited research articles published in this field. Thus far, this is the first study to evaluate the method of audio spectrum to develop hearing aid through skin sensory.

scholarly journals EHealth and Its Role in Supporting Audiological Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators of Using a Personal Hearing Support System With Mobile Application as Part of the EVOTION Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louisa Murdin ◽  
Mark Sladen ◽  
Hannah Williams ◽  
Doris-Eva Bamiou ◽  
Athanasios Bibas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Support System ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
The Individual

BackgroundHearing loss is a major public health challenge. Audiology services need to utilise a range of rehabilitative services and maximise innovative practice afforded by technology to actively promote personalized, participatory, preventative and predictive care if they are to cope with the social and economic burden placed on the population by the rapidly rising prevalence of hearing loss. Digital interventions and teleaudiology could be a key part of providing high quality, cost-effective, patient-centred management. There is currently very limited evidence that assesses the hearing impaired patient perspective on the acceptance and usability of this type of technology.AimThis study aims to identify patient perceptions of the use of a hearing support system including a mobile smartphone app when used with Bluetooth-connected hearing aids across the everyday life of users, as part of the EVOTION project.MethodsWe applied a questionnaire to 564 participants in three countries across Europe and analysed the following topics: connectivity, hearing aid controls, instructional videos, audiological tests and auditory training.Key FindingsOlder users were just as satisfied as younger users when operating this type of technology. Technical problems such as Bluetooth connectivity need to be minimised as this issue is highly critical for user satisfaction, engagement and uptake. A system that promotes user-controllability of hearing aids that is more accessible and easier to use is highly valued. Participants are happy to utilise monitoring tests and auditory training on a mobile phone out of the clinic but in order to have value the test battery needs to be relevant and tailored to each user, easy to understand and use. Such functions can elicit a negative as well as positive experience for each user.ConclusionOlder and younger adults can utilise an eHealth mobile app to complement their rehabilitation and health care. If the technology works well, is tailored to the individual and in-depth personalised guidance and support is provided, it could assist maximisation of hearing aid uptake, promotion of self-management and improving outcomes.

EFFICIENCY OF HEARING AID FOR HEARING LOSS CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OLD AT NATIONAL CHILDREN HOSPITAL IN 2018-2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lai Thu Ha ◽  
Vu Dinh Thiem ◽  
Phan Huu Phuc
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Sentence Comprehension ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Word Comprehension ◽  
Average Improvement

A self-controlled intervention study was conducted on a group of hearing loss children who wear hearing aids at the National Children Hospital January 2018 to August 2019. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the hearing aid on these children. Data were taken by questionnaires and analyzed using Stata software. The results showed that the average improvement of the hearing threshold in 71 hearing loss ears after wearing hearing aids was 49.2 ± 9.5dB. In which improvement at frequency 500 Hz is 47.5 ± 10.9dB; frequency 1000 Hz is 49.9 ± 10.5dB; frequency 2000 Hz is 50.2 ± 10.1dB; frequency 4000 Hz is 47.9 ± 10.2dB. The SII index improve 38.5 ± 27.4%. The Maximum word comprehension improve 60.9 ± 38.5%. The Maximum sentence comprehension improve 73 ± 34.2.

Temporary Increase in Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Hearing Aid Use

1979 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Patricia Heffernan ◽  
Marsha R. Simons
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Temporary Increase ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Power Outputs

Two cases are presented exhibiting temporary increases in sensorineural hearing loss following hearing aid use. Data suggesting this correlation are shown. There were no contributing middle ear problems during the period surveyed. The most significant changes in hearing thresholds were at frequencies 1000 and 2000 Hz. The use of different hearing aids, with decreased maximum power outputs, was not found to have similar effects on hearing threshold levels. A scheduling regime is recommended for introducing any new hearing aid to a child.

Hearing Aid Use with Minimal High-Frequency Hearing Loss

1989 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carissa D. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Social Situations ◽  
High Frequency Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Worthwhile Investment

This Study evaluated the use of hearing aids by patients with hearing threshold levels of 20 dB or less at 500 and 1000 Hz and 35 dB or less at 2000 Hz. Ninety-eight patients completed a 30-day trial with amplification. Six months later, patients were interviewed by telephone and questioned on hearing aid use and perceived unaided and aided difficulty in various listening environments. Results of the study demonstrated that patients with minimal high-frequency hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing aids. Ninety-two percent of the patients elected to purchase the hearing aids and 85% considered the aids a worthwhile investment after 6 months of use. Patients showed a mean improvement from moderate unaided to slight aided difficulty at work and in general social situations. The only variable that predicted success with hearing aids was degree of unaided difficulty at work. Patients who perceived less unaided difficulty at work were less likely to obtain benefit from the use of the hearing aids.

scholarly journals International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids: Data From a Large Swedish Quality Register Database

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3S) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stig Arlinger ◽  
Peter Nordqvist ◽  
Marie Öberg
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Perceived Service Quality ◽  
Quality Register ◽  
First Time

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze a database of completed International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaires obtained from over 100,000 clients fitted with new hearing aids in Sweden during the period of 2012–2016. Mean IOI-HA total scores were correlated with degree of hearing loss, unilateral versus bilateral fitting, first-time versus return clients, gender, and variation among dispensing clinics. The correlations with expectations, service quality, and technical functioning of the hearing aids were also analyzed. Method Questionnaires containing the 7 IOI-HA items as well as questions concerning some additional issues were mailed to clients 3–6 months after fitting of new hearing aids. The questionnaires were returned to and analyzed by an independent research institute. Results More than 100 dispensing clinics nationwide take part in this project. A response rate of 52.6% resulted in 106,631 data sets after excluding incomplete questionnaires. Forty-six percent of the responders were women, and 54% were men. The largest difference in mean score (0.66) was found for the IOI-HA item “use” between return clients and first-time users. Women reported significantly higher (better) scores for the item “impact on others” compared with men. The bilaterally fitted subgroup reported significantly higher scores for all 7 items compared with the unilaterally fitted subgroup. Experienced users produced higher scores on benefit and satisfaction items, whereas first-time users gave higher scores for residual problems. No correlation was found between mean IOI-HA total score and average hearing threshold level (pure-tone average [PTA]). Mean IOI-HA total scores were found to correlate significantly with perceived service quality of the dispensing center and with the technical functionality of the hearing aids. Conclusions When comparing mean IOI-HA total scores from different studies or between groups, differences with regard to hearing aid experience, gender, and unilateral versus bilateral fitting have to be considered. No correlation was found between mean IOI-HA total score and degree of hearing loss in terms of PTA. Thus, PTA is not a reliable predictor of benefit and satisfaction of hearing aid provision as represented by the IOI-HA items. Identification of a specific lower fence in PTA for hearing aid candidacy is therefore to be avoided. Large differences were found in mean IOI-HA total scores related to different dispensing centers.

A Comparison of Conventional and In-Situ Audiometry on Participants with Varying Levels of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (01) ◽  
pp. 068-079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Kiessling ◽  
Melanie Leifholz ◽  
Steffen Unkel ◽  
Jörn Pons-Kühnemann ◽  
Charlotte Thunberg Jespersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Threshold Levels ◽  
Wide Range

Background: In-situ audiometry is a hearing aid feature that enables the measurement of hearing threshold levels through the hearing instrument using the built-in sound generator and the hearing aid receiver. This feature can be used in hearing aid fittings instead of conventional pure-tone audiometry (PTA), particularly in places where no standard audiometric equipment is available. Differences between conventional and in-situ thresholds are described and discussed for some particular hearing aids. No previous investigation has measured and compared these differences for a number of current hearing aid models by various manufacturers across a wide range of hearing losses. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a model-based comparison of conventionally and in-situ measured hearing thresholds. Data were collected for a range of hearing aid devices to study and generalize the effects that may occur under clinical conditions. Research Design: Research design was an experimental and regression study. Study Sample: A total of 30 adults with sensorineural hearing loss served as test persons. They were assigned to three subgroups of 10 subjects with mild (M), moderate to severe (MS), and severe (S) sensorineural hearing loss. Intervention: All 30 test persons underwent both conventional PTA and in-situ audiometry with four hearing aid models by various manufacturers. Data Collection and Analysis: The differences between conventionally and in-situ measured hearing threshold levels were calculated and evaluated by an exploratory data analysis followed by a sophisticated statistical modeling process. Results: At 500 and 1500 Hz, almost all threshold differences (conventional PTA minus in-situ data) were negative, i.e., in the low to mid frequencies, hearing loss was overestimated by most devices relative to PTA. At 4000 Hz, the majority of differences (7 of 12) were positive, i.e., in the frequency range above 1500 Hz, hearing loss was frequently underestimated. As hearing loss increased (M→MS→S), the effect of the underestimation decreased. At 500 and 1500 Hz, Resound devices showed the smallest threshold deviations, followed by Phonak, Starkey, and Oticon instruments. At 4000 Hz, this observed pattern partly disappeared and Starkey and Oticon devices showed a reversed effect with increasing hearing loss (M→MS→S). Because of high standard errors for the estimates, only a few explicit rankings of the devices could be established based on significant threshold differences (5% level). Conclusions: Differences between conventional PTA and in-situ threshold levels may be attributed to (1) frequency, (2) device/hearing loss, and (3) calibration/manufacturer effects. Frequency effects primarily resulting in an overestimation of hearing loss by in-situ audiometry in the low and mid frequencies are mainly due to sound drain-off through vents and leaks. Device/hearing loss effects may be due to leakage as well as boundary effects because in-situ audiometry is confined to a limited measurement range. Finally, different calibration approaches may result in different offset levels between PTA and in-situ audiometry calibration. In some cases, the observed threshold differences of up to 10–15 dB may translate to varied hearing aid fittings for the same user depending on how hearing threshold levels were measured.

scholarly journals Effects of Increasing the Overall Level or Fitting Hearing Aids on Emotional Responses to Sounds

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 233121652110499
Author(s):  
Erin M. Picou ◽  
Lori Rakita ◽  
Gabrielle H. Buono ◽  
Travis M. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Nonlinear Frequency ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Nonspeech Sounds ◽  
Valence And Arousal ◽  
High Level

Adults with hearing loss demonstrate a reduced range of emotional responses to nonspeech sounds compared to their peers with normal hearing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two possible strategies for addressing the effects of hearing loss on emotional responses: (a) increasing overall level and (b) hearing aid use (with and without nonlinear frequency compression, NFC). Twenty-three adults (mean age  =  65.5 years) with mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss and 17 adults (mean age  =  56.2 years) with normal hearing participated. All adults provided ratings of valence and arousal without hearing aids in response to nonspeech sounds presented at a moderate and at a high level. Adults with hearing loss also provided ratings while using individually fitted study hearing aids with two settings (NFC-OFF or NFC-ON). Hearing loss and hearing aid use impacted ratings of valence but not arousal. Listeners with hearing loss rated pleasant sounds as less pleasant than their peers, confirming findings in the extant literature. For both groups, increasing the overall level resulted in lower ratings of valence. For listeners with hearing loss, the use of hearing aids (NFC-OFF) also resulted in lower ratings of valence but to a lesser extent than increasing the overall level. Activating NFC resulted in ratings that were similar to ratings without hearing aids (with a moderate presentation level) but did not improve ratings to match those from the listeners with normal hearing. These findings suggest that current interventions do not ameliorate the effects of hearing loss on emotional responses to sound.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the choice of prescribed hearing aid

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 662-665
Author(s):  
Ljubica Zivic ◽  
Danijela Zivic
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Speech Discrimination ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Discrimination Ability ◽  
Factors Influencing

In our paper we would like to emphasize the complexity of hearing aid prescription process. It is connected to a series of factors which impact the choice of hearing aid; type of hearing loss, degree of hearing loss according to the average hearing threshold expressed within the range from 500 Hz to 4000 Hz on a tonal audiogram, audiometric curve configuration, speech discrimination ability, patients? age at which the hearing impairment occurred, time elapsed between the occurrence of hearing impairment and prescription of a hearing aid, patients? age, physical and mental health and their cognitive function, anatomical characteristics of the auricle and external auditory canal, patient and parent motivation, cosmetic factors, financial abilities, cooperation with hearing aids manufacturers. This paper is important for everyday practice and can be used as a kind of guideline to the hearing aid prescription process.

scholarly journals Comparison of Preferred Real-Ear Insertion Gain between Open- and Closed-Canal Fitting Hearing Aids

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-186
Author(s):  
Hyeryeong Jo ◽  
Hyekyung Kong ◽  
Suyeon Shin ◽  
Mikyung Lee ◽  
Kwangjae Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Speech Test ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Korean Type ◽  
Fitting Hearing Aids

Purpose: To calculate the real-ear insertion gain (REIG) according to the types of hearing aids, we evaluated the preferred REIGs of Korean hearing-impaired listeners and psychoacoustic differences between open-canal fitting (OF) and closed-canal fitting (CF).Methods: The subjects with sensorineural hearing loss were divided into OF group (4 monaural fittings, 15 binaural fittings with 34 ears), and CF group (8 monaural fittings, 13 binaural fittings with 34 ears). There were no statistical differences in hearing threshold level (HTL) at each octave frequencies, word recognition score (WRS) and Korean Adaptation of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (K-IOI-HA) between the two groups. When there was no need for further electroacoustic adjustment of the hearing aid, sharpness and occlusion of amplified sound, clarity of sentence, and loudness of noise were evaluated based on the everyday experience. And REIGs with international speech test signal and WRS in sound-treated room were measured.Results: Preferred REIG for HTL was low for OF compared to CF in 0.5 kHz and 0.75 kHz at input SPL of 55 dB, 0.5 kHz at 60 dB SPL, 0.25 kHz and 0.5 kHz at 80 dB SPL. However, there were no differences in aided WRS and psychoacoustics between the two groups.Conclusion: In this study, the preferred REIG of OF and CF groups showed a difference under 0.75 kHz although there were no psychoacoustic differences between the two groups. Therefore, the results of this study should be considered when formulating Korean-type hearing aid fitting formula.

The Relationship Between Hearing Loss Self-Management and Hearing Aid Benefit and Satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Convery ◽  
Gitte Keidser ◽  
Louise Hickson ◽  
Carly Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Hearing Aid Benefit ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Hearing loss self-management refers to the knowledge and skills people use to manage the effects of hearing loss on all aspects of their daily lives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported hearing loss self-management and hearing aid benefit and satisfaction. Method Thirty-seven adults with hearing loss, all of whom were current users of bilateral hearing aids, participated in this observational study. The participants completed self-report inventories probing their hearing loss self-management and hearing aid benefit and satisfaction. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between individual domains of hearing loss self-management and hearing aid benefit and satisfaction. Results Participants who reported better self-management of the effects of their hearing loss on their emotional well-being and social participation were more likely to report less aided listening difficulty in noisy and reverberant environments and greater satisfaction with the effect of their hearing aids on their self-image. Participants who reported better self-management in the areas of adhering to treatment, participating in shared decision making, accessing services and resources, attending appointments, and monitoring for changes in their hearing and functional status were more likely to report greater satisfaction with the sound quality and performance of their hearing aids. Conclusion Study findings highlight the potential for using information about a patient's hearing loss self-management in different domains as part of clinical decision making and management planning.

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