Does Language Matter When Using a Graphical Method for Calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index?

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (02) ◽  
pp. 119-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
In-Ki Jin ◽  
James M. Kates ◽  
Kathryn H. Arehart
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Graphical Method ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Graphical Methods ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Importance Function ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index

Background: Graphical methods for calculating the speech intelligibility index (SII), such as the count-the-dot audiogram, are useful tools in quantifying how much weighted audibility is restored when amplification is used for individuals with hearing loss. The band-importance function (BIF), which is an important component of the SII, depends on the language. Thus, language may affect the prediction of weighted audibility using the graphical SII. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to apply language-specific BIFs to develop and compare graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin. Research Design: The graphical SIIs were developed and compared using a research design that applied and analyzed existing datasets. Data Collection and Analysis: Language-specific BIFs and dynamic ranges were used to derive graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin. SII predictions were compared by calculating the language-specific predictions for the same audiometric configurations. Results: The graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin yielded different unaided and aided predictions for the same audiogram configurations. Conclusions: A graphical SII helps patients easily understand their weighted audibility for unaided and aided conditions; thus, it is a useful counseling tool in the clinic. The most accurate graphical SII’s will, however, be based on a patient’s spoken language.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Hearing Aid Manufacturers' Software-Derived Fittings to DSL v5.0 Pediatric Targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (05) ◽  
pp. 354-362
Author(s):  
Paula Folkeard ◽  
Marlene Bagatto ◽  
Susan Scollie
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Programming Software ◽  
Test Level

Abstract Background Hearing aid prescriptive methods are a commonly recommended component of evidence-based preferred practice guidelines and are often implemented in the hearing aid programming software. Previous studies evaluating hearing aid manufacturers' software-derived fittings to prescriptions have shown significant deviations from targets. However, few such studies examined the accuracy of software-derived fittings for the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) v5.0 prescription. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of software-derived fittings to the DSL v5.0 prescription, across a range of hearing aid brands, audiograms, and test levels. Research Design This study is a prospective chart review with simulated cases. Data Collection and Analysis A set of software-derived fittings were created for a six-month-old test case, across audiograms ranging from mild to profound. The aided output from each fitting was verified in the test box at 55-, 65-, 75-, and 90-dB SPL, and compared with DSL v5.0 child targets. The deviations from target across frequencies 250-6000 Hz were calculated, together with the root-mean-square error (RMSE) from target. The aided Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) values generated for the speech passages at 55- and 65-dB SPL were compared with published norms. Study Sample Thirteen behind-the-ear style hearing aids from eight manufacturers were tested. Results The amount of deviation per frequency was dependent on the test level and degree of hearing loss. Most software-derived fittings for mild-to-moderately severe hearing losses fell within ± 5 dB of the target for most frequencies. RMSE results revealed more than 84% of those hearing aid fittings for the mild-to-moderate hearing losses were within 5 dB at all test levels. Fittings for severe to profound hearing losses had the greatest deviation from target and RMSE. Aided SII values for the mild-to-moderate audiograms fell within the normative range for DSL pediatric fittings, although they fell within the lower portion of the distribution. For more severe losses, SII values for some hearing aids fell below the normative range. Conclusions In this study, use of the software-derived manufacturers' fittings based on the DSL v5.0 pediatric targets set most hearing aids within a clinically acceptable range around the prescribed target, particularly for mild-to-moderate hearing losses. However, it is likely that clinician adjustment based on verification of hearing aid output would be required to optimize the fit to target, maximize aided SII, and ensure appropriate audibility across all degrees of hearing loss.

Hearing Aids for Ménière's Syndrome: Implications of Hearing Fluctuation

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (05) ◽  
pp. 430-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celene McNeill ◽  
Catherine M. McMahon ◽  
Philip Newall ◽  
Mary Kalantzis
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Great Satisfaction ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Background: Hearing fluctuation imposes the biggest challenge in the fitting of hearing aids for patients with Ménière's syndrome. Purpose: This study shows that the problem maybe be overcome by allowing the patients to test their own hearing and to program their own hearing aids to adjust for hearing fluctuation. Research Design and Study Sample: A group of 40 participants diagnosed with Ménière's syndrome were fitted with Widex Senso Diva hearing aids and were provided with a portable Senso Programmer 3 (SP3) that allowed them to measure their own hearing thresholds at up to 14 different frequencies and to program their own devices. Intervention: The participants were instructed to test their hearing three times a day for 8 weeks and to program their hearing aids according to the measured thresholds. Data Collection and Analysis: All participants recorded some degree of hearing fluctuation during the 8-week trial. Results and Conclusions: Among participants, 70 percent continued to program their hearing aids on a regular basis and reported great satisfaction with amplification because they are now able to adjust their own devices when their hearing fluctuates.

Auditory Risk to Unprotected Bystanders Exposed to Firearm Noise

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (02) ◽  
pp. 093-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Flamme ◽  
Michael Stewart ◽  
Deanna Meinke ◽  
James Lankford ◽  
Per Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Poor Agreement ◽  
Acoustic Characteristics ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Hearing Health ◽  
Damage Risk

Background: What is the risk of hearing loss for someone standing next to a shooter? Friends, spouses, children, and other shooters are often present during hunting and recreational shooting activities, and these bystanders seem likely to underestimate the hazard posed by noise from someone else's firearm. Hunters use hearing protection inconsistently, and there is little reason to expect higher use rates among bystanders. Acoustic characteristics and estimates of auditory risk from gunfire noise next to the shooter were assessed in this study. Research Design: This was a descriptive study of auditory risk at the position of a bystander near a recreational firearm shooter. Data Collection and Analysis: Recordings of impulses from 15 recreational firearms were obtained 1 m to the left of the shooter outdoors away from reflective surfaces. Recordings were made using a pressure-calibrated 1/4 inch measurement microphone and digitally sampled at 195 kHz (24 bit depth). The acoustic characteristics of these impulses were examined, and auditory risk estimates were obtained using three contemporary damage-risk criteria (DRCs) for unprotected listeners. Results: Instantaneous peak levels at the bystander location ranged between 149 and 167 dB SPL, and 8 hr equivalent continuous levels (LeqA8) ranged between 64 and 83 dB SPL. Poor agreement was obtained across the three DRCs, and the DRC that was most conservative varied with the firearm. The most conservative DRC for each firearm permitted no unprotected exposures to most rifle impulses and fewer than 10 exposures to impulses from most shotguns and the single handgun included in this study. More unprotected exposures were permitted for the guns with smaller cartridges and longer barrel length. Conclusions: None of the recreational firearms included in this study produced sound levels that would be considered safe for all unprotected listeners. The DRCs revealed that only a few of the small-caliber rifles and the smaller-gauge shotguns permitted more than a few shots for the average unprotected listener. This finding is important for professionals involved in hearing health care and the shooting sports because laypersons are likely to consider the bystander location to be inherently less risky because it is farther from the gun than the shooter.

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