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.

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.

Frequency-Discrimination Ability of Hearing-Impaired Listeners

1981 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Zurek ◽  
C. Formby
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Frequency Modulation ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Discrimination ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Discrimination Ability ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity

Thresholds for frequency modulation were measured by an adaptive, two-alternative, forced-choice method with ten listeners: eight who showed varying degrees of sensorineural hearing impairment, and two with normal-hearing sensitivity. Results for test frequencies spaced at octave intervals between 125 and 4000 Hz showed that, relative to normal-hearing listeners, the ability of the hearing-impaired listeners to detect a sinusoidal frequency modulation: (1) is diminished above a certain level of hearing loss; and (2) is more disrupted for low-frequency tones than for high-frequency tones, given the same degree of hearing loss at the test frequency. The first finding is consistent with that of previous studies which show a general deterioration of frequency-discrimination ability associated with moderate, or worse, hearing loss. It is proposed that the second finding may be explained: 1) by differential impairment of the temporal and place mechanisms presumed to, encode pitch at the lower and higher frequencies, respectively; and/or, 2) for certain configurations of hearing loss, by the asymmetrical pattern of cochlear excitation that may lead to the underestimation, from measurements of threshold sensitivity, of hearing impairment for low-frequency tones and consequently to relatively large changes in frequency discrimination for small shifts in hearing threshold.

scholarly journals Study of Factors Influencing Medical, Psychological and Pedagogical Rehabilitation Efficacy in Preschool Children with Hearing Disorders

2021 ◽  
pp. 371-380
Author(s):  
G. Sh. Tufatulin
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Care Family ◽  
High Good ◽  
Loss Method ◽  
Psychological Diagnostics

Objective. The aim of the study is to identify the most significant factors influencing the audio-verbal rehabilitation outcomes in preschool children.Methods. The study included 104 children, 3–7 years of age, with hearing loss who underwent course of audioverbal rehabilitation in audiology center: 50 children after cochlear implantation, 51 children with hearing aids, 3 children without hearing care. The following data was collected at the beginning of the course: gender, type and degree of hearing loss, comorbidities, method and age of hearing care, family structure, preschool organization type. The scale of social and psychological diagnostics was filled in. The dynamics of indicators were estimated at the end of the course. The overall result was rated as high, good, medium or low. Correlations between clinical, audiological, social, psychological data and different rehabilitation outcomes were estimated.Results. Degree and type of hearing loss, method of hearing care, gender, age, and social aspects do not affect the rehabilitation outcomes. Hearing aid was performed before 3 years of age in 67% of children, and after 3 years of age in 33% of children in the group with high and good results. Hearing aid was performed after 3 years of age in 61% of children, and before 3 years of age in 39% of children in the group with medium and low results (p < 0.01). Burdened anamnesis and comorbidity was determined in 28% of children with high/good outcomes and in 59% of children with medium/low outcomes (p < 0.01). Children with medium results rarely have previous audiology therapy, 43.8% of cases (p < 0.01). Children with medium and low outcomes have statistically worse score according to the scale of social and psychological diagnostics (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively).Conclusion. High results of audio-verbal rehabilitation in preschool children can be predicted by the age of primary hearing care (before 3 years of age), absence of comorbidities, previous audiology therapy, score at the scale of social and psychological diagnostics less than 17 points.

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.

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.

scholarly journals The Sophono Bone-Conduction System: Surgical, Audiologic, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes

2017 ◽  
Vol 96 (7) ◽  
pp. E28-E33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Mclean ◽  
Irumee Pai ◽  
Andrew Philipatos ◽  
Michael Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Conductive Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Speech Discrimination ◽  
Single Sided Deafness ◽  
Conductive Hearing

We prospectively evaluated the surgical, audiologic, and quality-of-life outcomes in 5 patients—2 men and 3 women, aged 22 to 64 years (mean: 41.8)—who were implanted with the Sophono Alpha 2 MPO Processor. The indications for implantation of this bone-conduction device included recurrent ear canal infections with hearing aids (n = 3), single-sided deafness (n = 1), and patient preference in view of difficulty using a conventional hearing aid (n = 1). In addition to the patient with single-sided deafness, 3 patients had a bilateral mixed hearing loss and 1 had a bilateral conductive hearing loss. Outcomes measures included surgical complications, functional gain (FG), speech discrimination in quiet and noise, and patient satisfaction as determined by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the Entific Medical Systems bone-anchored hearing aid questionnaire (BAQ). The only postsurgical complication noted was a minor skin reaction and pain in 1 patient that resolved with conservative management. In the 3 patients with the mixed hearing loss, the mean FG was 13.3, 20.0, 11.7, and 11.7 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively; in the patient with the bilateral conductive hearing loss, the FG was 10, 25, 10, and 15 dB at the same frequencies. Speech discrimination scores with the Sophono device were comparable to those seen with conventional hearing aids. After implantation, all 5 patients experienced a positive quality-of-life outcome according to the GBI, although 1 of them had only a marginal improvement. On follow-up, all patients reported that they remained satisfied with their implant and that they used their device all day long. We conclude that the Sophono bone-conduction system is a safe and effective option that should be considered for patients with a mixed or conductive hearing loss who are unable to use a conventional hearing aid, as well as for those with single-sided deafness.

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.

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.

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.

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