Feasibility of smartphone-based hearing-aid apps for patients with mild hearing loss: an exploratory pilot study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willy Nguyen ◽  
Miseung Koo ◽  
Seung Ha Oh ◽  
Jun Ho Lee ◽  
Moo Kyun Park
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Mild Hearing Loss ◽  
Consumer Devices ◽  
Selection Of

BACKGROUND Underuse of hearing aids is caused by several factors, including the stigma associated with hearing disability, affordability, and lack of awareness of rising hearing impairment associated with the growing population. Thus, there is a significant opportunity for the development of direct-to-consumer devices. For the past few years, smartphone-based hearing-aid apps have become more numerous and diverse, but few studies have investigated them. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate the electroacoustic characteristics and potential user benefits of a selection of currently available hearing-aid apps. METHODS We investigated the apps based on hearing-aid control standards (American National Standards Institute) using measurement procedures from previous studies. We categorized the apps and excluded those we considered inefficient. We investigated a selection of user-friendly, low-end apps, EarMachine and Sound Amplifier, with warble-tone audiometry, word recognition testing in unaided and aided conditions, and hearing-in-noise test in quiet and noise-front conditions in a group of users with mild hearing impairment (n = 7) as a pilot for a future long-term investigation. Results from the apps were compared with those of a conventional hearing aid. RESULTS Five of 14 apps were considered unusable based on low scores in several metrics, while the others varied across the range of electroacoustic measurements. The apps that we considered “high end” that provided lower processing latencies and audiogram-based fitting algorithms were superior overall. The clinical performance of the listeners tended to be better when using hearing aid, while the low end hearing-aid apps had limited benefits on the users. CONCLUSIONS Some apps showed the potential to benefit users with limited cases of minimal or mild hearing loss if the inconvenience of relatively poor electroacoustic performance did not outweigh the benefits of amplification.

An Evaluation of Several Rationales for Selecting Hearing Aid Gain

1986 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry E. Humes
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Selection Procedures ◽  
Relative Gain ◽  
Typical Range ◽  
Selection Of

The present study evaluates the rationales underlying several hearing aid selection procedures. The first portion of the evaluation confirms that the gain-selection rationales result in the selection of different hearing aids for a given patient. Nine different audiometric configurations representing varying degrees of fiat, sloping, and rising sensorineural hearing loss were considered. The second phase of the evaluation considered how well each procedure achieved the goal of maximizing speech recognition. This analysis made use of the Articulation Index and was applied to each of the nine audiometric configurations. The results of this analysis suggested that, given the ability to adjust the overall gain over a typical range available through most volume controls, any of the procedures could produce optimal aided speech recognition performance. The final portion of the evaluation examined the ability of each procedure to prescribe absolute gain and relative gain (frequency response) that corresponded to that preferred by hearing aid wearers. The data for preferred insertion gain came from a recent investigation by Leijon, Eriksson-Mangold, an d Beck-Karlsen (1984). The results of this evaluation suggested that some procedures prescribe gain values closer to those preferred by listeners than others. More data are needed on preferred gain values for a variety of configurations, however, before any one procedure can be recommended over another.

Non-compliance in Elderly Hearing-aid Users

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surinder K. Singhal ◽  
Ravi Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Manual Dexterity ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Elderly Persons

Objective (Background): Despite the scientific advancements, acceptance of hearing-aids remains poor in persons with hearing impairment in the elderly age group. The attitudinal issues play a significant role in their decision to use hearing aids or not. The purpose of this study was to understand the reasons for noncompliance and acceptance of hearing-loss and hearing-aids. Methods: In this questionnaire-based survey study, the Punjabi-language speaking elderly persons having hearing-impairment were identified into two groups, current-user and non-user of hearing-aids. A questionnaire prepared in the Punjabi language was administered, which consisted of twenty questions with a five-point rating scale. It yielded scores in five subscales that probed the social and emotional impact of hearing loss, denial, stigma, manual dexterity. The responses of the participants were then analysed. Result : A total of seventy-four questionnaires were completed. Average time of 9.63 minutes to complete one questionnaire. The mean age of respondents was 67.05 years. Of these, 45.95% were current users, and 54.05% were non-users of hearing aids. The subjects in both groups had a sensorineural hearing loss of moderate to a moderately-severe degree. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed. On average, the non-users had higher scores on the emotional impact of hearing loss, denial, and stigma subscales. Conclusions: The factors responsible for non-usage of hearingaids by the persons with hearing-impairment were a stigma associated with the hearing aid usage; denial of hearing loss; and emotional impact of hearing loss. Both, social impact of hearing loss and poor manual dexterity were not limiting factors for non-compliance in hearing-aid users

scholarly journals Self-Reported Benefit and Satisfaction with a Beamforming Body-Worn Hearing Aid for Elderly Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Bradley McPherson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Form Factor ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Conventional Form

Hearing impairment is a leading cause of disability globally and is particularly prevalent in elderly populations. Hearing aids are commonly recommended to mitigate the adverse effects on communication associated with hearing loss. However, the acceptability of hearing aids to elderly individuals is low and the majority of potential users do not wear hearing aids. Most hearing aids are designed with a discreet form factor in mind, to minimize device visibility. Given the range of comorbidities associated with hearing loss in the elderly, this conventional form factor may not always be optimal. The present study examined the experiences of elderly individuals with a recently developed, unconventional, body-worn hearing instrument, the EasyHear™ Grand (Logital Co. Ltd., Hong Kong). The bilaterally fitted instrument incorporates large controls, a color display, beamforming sound processing, and Bluetooth capabilities. Forty-three elderly participants (mean age=71; range 46-88 years) were surveyed to gauge level of benefit and satisfaction with the device and opinions regarding the hearing aid. They were assessed using three standardized questionnaires (the International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids, the Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, and the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement) and through open-ended, structured interviews. Participants rated their EasyHear device fitting highly for hours of use and improved quality of life and rated the device favorably for improved communication and benefit in background noise. A majority of users felt the device improved listening ability in their expressed area of greatest need, and also for their second highest prioritized area of greatest need. Less than 10% of users felt their listening was only occasionally or hardly ever improved when using the body-worn device. Benefit and satisfaction ratings with the EasyHear Grand were comparable to those in studies involving conventional form factor devices. Interviews highlighted areas where users felt the device could be improved—extra noise reduction, changes to device dimensions, receiver/eartip fit, and cableless technology were among the areas mentioned. Many participants valued smartphone linkage and Bluetooth capability. The EasyHear Grand, with its body-worn design and large, simple controls, was well accepted by the majority of participants. Hearing aids that break from conventional design formats may benefit many elderly individuals with hearing impairment and promote increased user acceptability.

Hearing impairment in children: regional epidemiologic studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
S. A. Artyushkin ◽  
◽  
I. V. Koroleva ◽  
M. V. Kreisman ◽  
G. S. Tufatulin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Social Indicators ◽  
Otoacoustic Emission ◽  
Auditory Neuropathy ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
School Students

The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of medical and social indicators of audiological care for children with hearing impairments in two regions of the Russian Federation and the development of recommendations for its improvement. Methodology. The study was carried out on the basis of children’s audiology centers in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. At the first stage, the organization of audiological care for children in the region and the results of audiological screening were analyzed: coverage, frequency of detection of hearing loss. At the second stage, we analyzed the data from outpatient records of children with hearing impairments registered in audiology centers. The age at which the diagnosis was made, the age of primary hearing aid, the type of hearing aid, and the type of educational organization attended by the child were assessed. At the third stage, a screening examination of hearing was carried out in primary school students of a comprehensive school using otoscopy, tympanometry, registration of otoacoustic emission, and tone threshold audiometry. Results. The analysis showed that all components of medical care in the regions comply with international recommendations. Despite this, less than 10% of children with hearing impairment receive it in accordance with the time standard for early care «1-3-6», which involves the detection of hearing impairment at the age of 1 month, diagnosis of hearing impairment at 3 months, at 6 months - hearing aids and psychological and pedagogical assistance to a child and his family. The main reasons for the late diagnosis of hearing impairments in children and, as a consequence, the late start of their rehabilitation have been established: not all children go through the 1st stage of universal audiological screening of newborns, some children with a positive result of the 1st stage of screening do not enter the 2nd stage for diagnostic examination of hearing; children with auditory neuropathy and hearing loss of various etiologies that occur after birth «drop out» from the current audiological screening procedure. Conclusion. A system of measures is proposed to solve the problem of early detection of hearing impairments in children: 1) control of the 1st stage of audiological screening of newborns and the transfer of information about children to be examined at the 2nd stage to the audiology center; 2) the introduction of additional audiological screenings for children at the age of 1 year and upon admission to school; 3) increasing the awareness of pediatricians, neurologists and the population about the causes, diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing impairment in children; 4) actions aimed at preventing the occurrence of hearing impairment in children (vaccination, treatment of otitis media, hearing hygiene, etc.).

The Birmingham bone anchored hearing aid programme: referrals, selection, rehabilitation, philosophy and adult results

1996 ◽  
Vol 110 (21) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. R. Cooper ◽  
S. P. Burrell ◽  
R. H. Powell ◽  
D. W. Proops ◽  
J. A. Bickerton
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Questionnaire Data ◽  
Speech Discrimination ◽  
Suppurative Otitis Media ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid ◽  
Conductive Hearing

AbstractThe Birmingham bone anchored hearing aid team is part of the Birmingham osseointegrated programme. In the first seven years of its existence it has received 309 referrals. Twenty-six per cent had suffered a congenital conductive hearing loss and 74 per cent had an acquired conductive hearing loss; the majority secondary to chronic suppurative otitis media.This report is of 68 out of 106 adults wearing bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs). Ninety-eight per cent showed audiological improvement with the congenital group demonstrating marginally the best freefield thresholds and speech discrimination. Questionnaire data as to the patient experience confirms the benefits especially hearing in noise, and comfort, and the vast majority were more satisfied with the bone anchored hearing aid than their previous aid.

scholarly journals Benefits of active middle ear implants over hearing aids in patients with sloping high tone hearing loss: comparison with hearing aids

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-223
Author(s):  
J.M. Lee ◽  
J.H. Jeon ◽  
I.S. Moon ◽  
J.Y. Choi
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
High Tone ◽  
Sono Stati ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Middle Ear Implants ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Hearing Aid Benefit

In questo studio retrospettivo, abbiamo confrontato i benefici oggettivi e soggettivi degli impianti attivi dell’orecchio medio (AMEI) rispetto alle tradizionali protesi acustiche (HA) nei pazienti con perdita dell’udito per le frequenze acute. Trentaquattro pazienti con ipoacusia neurosensoriale sono stati trattati con l’impianto di AMEI. Tra questi, sei avevano un audiogramma “in discesa” con perdita dell’udito per le frequenze acute, ed avevano usato per più di sei mesi HA. È stata quindi eseguita una valutazione oggettiva, tramite l’audiometria tonale e il test di riconoscimento delle parole, una versione coreana del “Hearing in Noise Test” (K-HINT), ed una valutazione soggettiva tramite il seguente questionario: Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). I pazienti sono stati sottoposti ai suddetti test in tre occasioni distinte: 1) prima della chirurgia, senza protesi; 2) prima della chirurgia, con HA; 3) tre mesi dopo l’impianto di AMEI. Il guadagno medio per le alte frequenze (≥ 2 kHz) si è rivelato migliore con AMEI che con HA. Sebbene il risultato non ha raggiunto un livello di significatività statistica, gli impianti attivi dell’orecchio medio hanno mostrato un punteggio di riconoscimento delle parole superiore rispetto a HA. Ad ogni modo, il livello di comoda udibilità al quale il punteggio di riconoscimento delle parole è stato testato si è rivelato significativamente più basso con AMEI rispetto ad HA. Al K-HINT i pazienti con AMEI hanno mostrato un migliore riconoscimento rispetto ai risultati ottenuti con HA, sia in condizione di quiete sia di rumore. Gli score APAHB hanno rivelato che i pazienti erano più soddisfatti con AMEI. L’uso degli impianti attivi dell’orecchio medio in pazienti con perdita dell’udito per le frequenze acute ha permesso di ottenere risultati migliori rispetto all’utilizzo delle protesi tradizionali. Basandoci su questi dati, gli AMEI hanno offerto risultati oggettivi e soggettivi migliori, e pertanto, potrebbero rappresentare una valida alternativa per il trattamento delle ipoacusie con audiogramma in discesa.

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 High-Frequency Audibility: The Effects of Audiometric Configuration, Stimulus Type, and Device

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (02) ◽  
pp. 128-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Kimlinger ◽  
Ryan McCreery ◽  
Dawna Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Average Maximum ◽  
Audible Frequency ◽  
Speech Spectrum

Background: For the last decade, the importance of providing amplification up to 9–10 kHz has been supported by multiple studies involving children and adults. The extent to which a listener with hearing loss can benefit from bandwidth expansion is dependent on the audibility of high-frequency cues. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) devised a standard method for measuring and reporting hearing aid bandwidth for quality-control purposes. However, ANSI bandwidth measurements were never intended to reflect the true frequency range that is audible for a speech stimulus for a person with hearing loss. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the maximum audible frequency of conventional hearing aids using a speech signal as the input through the hearing aid microphone for different degrees of hearing loss, (2) examine how the maximum audible frequency changes when the input stimulus is presented through hearing assistance technology (HAT) systems with cross-coupling of manufacturers' transmitters and receivers, and (3) evaluate how the maximum audible frequency compares with the upper limit of the ANSI bandwidth measure. Research Design: Eight behind-the-ear hearing aids from five hearing aid manufacturers were selected based on a range of ANSI bandwidth upper frequency limits. Three audiometric configurations with varied degrees of high-frequency hearing loss were programmed into each hearing aid. Hearing aid responses were measured with the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS), broadband noise, and a short speech token (/asa/) as stimuli presented through a loudspeaker. HAT devices from three manufacturers were used to create five HAT scenarios. These instruments were coupled to the hearing aid programmed for the audiogram that provided the highest maximum audible frequency in the hearing aid analysis. The response from each HAT scenario was obtained using the same three stimuli as during the hearing aid analysis. Study Sample: All measurements were collected in an audiometric sound booth on a Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR). Data Collection and Analysis: A custom computer program was used to record responses from KEMAR. Maximum audible frequency was defined as the highest point where the Long-Term Average Speech Spectrum (LTASS) intersected the audiogram. Results: The average maximum audible frequency measured through KEMAR ranged from 3.5 kHz to beyond 8 kHz and varied significantly across devices, audiograms, and stimuli. The specified upper limit of the ANSI bandwidth was not predictive of the maximum audible frequency across conditions. For most HAT systems, the maximum audible frequency for the hearing aid plus HAT condition was equivalent to the hearing aid for the same measurement configuration. In some cases, however, the HAT system imposed a lower maximum audible frequency than the hearing aid–only condition. Conclusions: The maximum audible frequency of behind-the-ear hearing aids is dependent on the degree of hearing loss, amplification device, and stimulus input. Estimating the maximum audible frequency by estimating the frequency where the speech spectrum intersects the audiogram in the high frequencies can assist clinicians in making decisions about which device or configuration of devices provides the greatest access to high-frequency information, as well as whether frequency-lowering technology should be used.

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.

FM Verification for the 21 st Century

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leisha Eiten ◽  
Dawna Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Current Technology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Children With Hearing Loss

Background: For children with hearing loss, the benefits of FM systems in overcoming deleterious effects of noise, distance, and reverberation have led to recommendations for use beyond classroom settings. It is important that audiologists who recommend and fit these devices understand the rationale and procedures underlying fitting and verification. Objectives: This article reviews previousguidelines for FM verification, addresses technological advances, and introduces verification procedures appropriate for current FM and hearing-aid technology. Methods: Previous guidelines for verification of FM systems are reviewed. Those recommendations that are appropriate for current technology are addressed, as are procedures that are no longer adequate for hearing aids and FM systems utilizing more complex processing than in the past. Technological advances are discussed, and an updated approach to FM verification is proposed. Conclusions: Approaches to verification andfitting of FM systems must keep pace with advances in hearing-aid and FM technology. The transparency approach addressed in this paper is recommended for verification of FM systems coupled to hearing aids.

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