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El-Naji R, Scollie S, Bagatto M. Examining Force Level Output of Skin-Drive Bone Conduction Hearing Devices in Adults With Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss. Am J Audiol 2024; 33:695-704. [PMID: 38748932 DOI: 10.1044/2024_aja-23-00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Bone conduction hearing devices (BCDs) that deliver sound across the skin (i.e., transcutaneous) are suitable for some individuals who have conductive or mixed hearing losses. Prescriptive targets for percutaneous devices are available, for example, from the Desired Sensation Level-Bone Conduction Hearing Device (DSL-BCD) algorithm. These targets, however, may require modification for use with transcutaneous BCDs. The current study investigated three key variables that may inform target modification: (a) comparison of thresholds measured using an audiometric bone conduction (BC) transducer versus transcutaneous BCDs that offer in situ threshold measurement, (b) transcutaneous BCD default force level outputs versus recommended DSL percutaneous BC targets, and (c) the preferred listening levels (PLLs) of adults wearing transcutaneous BCDs in a laboratory setting. METHOD Bilateral conductive hearing loss was simulated in 20 normal-hearing adults via earplugs. Thresholds were measured using a B-71 BC transducer and two commercially available BCDs coupled to a soft headband. DSL percutaneous BC targets were generated, and PLLs were obtained for a 60-dB SPL speech stimulus. Force level outputs were measured using a skull simulator on the Audioscan Verifit2 at the hearing aids' default settings and at the participants' PLL for each device. RESULTS On average, audiometric BC thresholds were significantly better than those measured in situ with each BCD. PLLs were similar to prescribed targets for one device with the smoother response shape and agreed in the high frequencies for both devices. CONCLUSIONS In situ thresholds are significantly higher than audiometric BC thresholds, suggesting that device-based in situ measurement more accurately accounts for the signal transmission from transcutaneous BCDs. PLLs differed from the percutaneous targets and varied between devices, which may indicate that either target modifications or manipulations of device frequency response shaping are needed to approximate PLL with transcutaneous BCD devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El-Naji
- National Centre for Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marlene Bagatto
- National Centre for Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Urichuk M, Purcell D, Allen P, Scollie S. Validation of an integrated pressure level measured earmold wideband real-ear-to-coupler difference measurement. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:604-612. [PMID: 37722804 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2254934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate measurement of predicted earmold wideband real-ear-to-coupler difference (wRECD) using an integrated pressure level (IPL) calibrated transducer and the incorporation of an acoustically measured tubing length correction. DESIGN Unilateral earmold SPL wRECD using varied hearing aid tubing length and the proposed predicted earmold IPL wRECD measurement procedure were completed on all participants and compared. STUDY SAMPLE 22 normal hearing adults with normal middle ear status were recruited. RESULTS There were no clinically significant differences between probe-microphone and predicted earmold IPL wRECD measurements between 500 and 2500 Hz. Above 5000 Hz, the predicted earmold IPL wRECD exceeded earmold SPL wRECDs due to lack of standing wave interference. Test-retest reliability of IPL wRECD measurement exceeded the reliability of earmold SPL wRECD measurement across all assessed frequencies, with the greatest improvements in the high frequencies. The acoustically measured tubing length correction largely accounted for acoustic effects of the participant's earmold. CONCLUSIONS IPL-based measurements provide a promising alternative to probe-microphone earmold wRECD procedures. Predicted earmold IPL wRECD is measured without probe-microphone placement, agrees well with earmold SPL wRECDs and is expected to extend the valid bandwidth of wRECD measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Urichuk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Purcell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National Center for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prudence Allen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National Center for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National Center for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Urichuk M, Purcell D, Scollie S. Validity and reliability of integrated pressure level real-ear-to-coupler difference measurements. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:401-410. [PMID: 37129231 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2205009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (1) To validate the measurement of foam-tip real-ear-to-coupler differences (wRECD) using an integrated pressure level (IPL) method and (2) to compare the reliability of this method to SPL-based measurement of the wRECD. DESIGN SPL-based wRECD and the proposed IPL wRECD measurement were completed bilaterally. Test-retest reliability of IPL wRECD was determined with full re-insertion into the ear canal and compared to published SPL wRECD test-retest data. STUDY SAMPLE 22 adults with normal hearing and middle ear status were recruited. RESULTS Differences between SPL-based wRECD and IPL wRECD measurements were within 1.51 dB on average below 5000 Hz. At and above 5000 Hz, IPL wRECD exceeded SPL wRECDs by 6.11 dB on average. The average test-retest difference for IPL wRECD across all assessed frequencies was 0.75 dB with the greatest improvements in reliability found below 750 Hz and above 3000 Hz. CONCLUSIONS IPL wRECD yielded improved estimates compared to SPL wRECD in high frequencies, where standing-wave interference is present. Independence from standing wave interference resulted in increased wRECD values above 4000 Hz using the IPL measurement paradigm. IPL wRECD is more reliable than SPL wRECD, does not require precise probe-microphone placement, and provides a wider valid wRECD bandwidth than SPL-based measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Urichuk
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Purcell
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- National Center for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- National Center for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Sassi TSDS, Bucuvic EC, Castiquini EAT, Chaves JN, Kimura M, Buzo BC, Lourençone LFM. High-Frequency Gain and Maximum Output Effects on Speech Recognition in Bone-Conduction Hearing Devices: Blinded Study. Otol Neurotol 2023; 44:1045-1051. [PMID: 37917961 PMCID: PMC10662602 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000004043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone-conduction hearing device (BCHD) uses natural sound transmission through bone and soft tissue, directly to the cochlea, via an external processor that captures and processes sound, which is converted into mechanical vibrations. Key parameters, as maximum power output (MPO) and broader frequency range (FR), must be considered when indicating a BCHD because they can be decisive for speech recognition, especially under listening challenge conditions. OBJECTIVES Compare hearing performance and speech recognition in noise of two sound processors (SPs), with different features of MPO and FR, among BCHD users. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-blinded, comparative, observational study evaluated 21 individuals Baha 4 system users with conductive or mixed hearing impairment. The free-field audiometry and speech recognition results were blindly collected under the following conditions: unaided, with Baha 5, and with Baha 6 Max SP. RESULTS In free-field audiometry, significant differences were observed between the SP at 0.25, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz, with Baha 6 Max outperforming Baha 5. The Baha 6 Max provided significantly better speech recognition than Baha 5 under all the speech in noise conditions evaluated. Separating the transcutaneous from the percutaneous users, Baha 6 Max Attract SP provided the best results and significantly lowered the free-field thresholds than Baha 5 Attract. The Baha 6 Max also significantly improved speech recognition in noise, among both Attract and Connect users. CONCLUSION The present study revealed that the greater MPO and broader FR of the Baha 6 Max device helped increase high-frequency gain and improved speech recognition in BCHD-experimented users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Byanka Cagnacci Buzo
- Cochlear Latin-American, Panama Pacifico, Panama
- Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo
| | - Luiz Fernando Manzoni Lourençone
- Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRAC), Bauru
- Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
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McCreery RW, Crukley J, Grindle A, Merchant GR, Walker E. Predicting children's real-ear-to-coupler differences based on tympanometric data. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:462-471. [PMID: 36752672 PMCID: PMC10159987 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2169200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paediatric hearing-aid verification relies on measures of output obtained from the ear canal or in a coupler with the child's real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD). Measured RECD cannot always be completed in children, leading to fitting inaccuracies. Audiologists often have tympanometry data that characterises the child's ear-canal acoustics. The goal of this study was to determine if tympanometry can be used to improve predictions of measured RECD. DESIGN A retrospective analysis of RECD and admittance, tympanometric peak pressure, and equivalent ear-canal volume from 226 Hz tympanometry collected as part of a longitudinal study of children with hearing loss were modelled with Bayesian hierarchical regression. STUDY SAMPLE Two-hundred sixty-six children with mild-to-severe hearing loss contributed data. RESULTS Age-based average RECD models were within 3 dB of measured RECD values in 54% of cases with normal middle ear status and 50.6% of cases with abnormal middle ear status. Immittance-predicted RECD were within 3 dB in 69.6% of cases with normal middle ear status and 74.4% of cases with abnormal middle ear status. CONCLUSION Immittance-predicted RECD was more accurate than age-based average RECD, particularly in children with abnormal middle ear status. The findings suggest that 226 Hz tympanometry could be used clinically to improve predictions of measured RECD when it cannot be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W. McCreery
- Audibility, Perception, and Cognition Laboratory at Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Jeffery Crukley
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Anastasia Grindle
- Pediatric Audiology, UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle R. Merchant
- Translational Auditory Physiology and Perception Laboratory at Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Walker
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
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6
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Saleh HK, Folkeard P, Van Eeckhoutte M, Scollie S. Premium versus entry-level hearing aids: using group concept mapping to investigate the drivers of preference. Int J Audiol 2021; 61:1003-1017. [PMID: 34883040 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.2009923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the difference in outcome measures and drivers of user preference between premium and entry-level hearing aids using group concept mapping. DESIGN A single-blind crossover trial was conducted. Aided behavioural outcomes measured were loudness rating, speech/consonant recognition, and speech quality. Preference between hearing aids was measured with a 7-point Likert scale. Group concept mapping was utilised to investigate preference results. Participants generated statements based on what influenced their preferences. These were sorted into categories with underlying themes. Participants rated each statement on a 5-point Likert scale of importance. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-three adult participants (mean: 62.4 years; range: 24-78) with mild to moderately severe bilateral SNHL (PTA500-4000 Hz > 20 dB HL). RESULTS A total of 83 unique statements and nine distinct clusters, with underlying themes driving preference, were generated. Clusters that differed significantly in importance between entry-level and premium hearing aid choosers were: Having access to smartphone application-based user-controlled settings, the ability to stream calls and music, and convenience features such as accessory compatibility. CONCLUSION This study has identified non-signal-processing factors which significantly influenced preference for a premium hearing aid over an entry-level hearing aid, indicating the importance of these features as drivers of user preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan K Saleh
- Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Folkeard
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maaike Van Eeckhoutte
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens, Lyngby.,Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) & Audiology Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Effects of extended high frequency bandwidth in osseointegrated bone conduction device users. Hear Res 2021; 421:108379. [PMID: 34756677 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2021.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency hearing above 5000 Hz improves the detection and discrimination of high frequency phonemes. Improved access to high-frequency hearing may be particularly advantageous in unilaterally deafened listeners who experience reduced access to high frequency speech cues on their impaired side and decreased speech perception abilities in competing noise. This study aimed to investigate the effects of extended high-frequency bandwidth on speech perception in unilaterally deafened osseointegrated bone conduction hearing device recipients. To study the effect of extended high-frequency bandwidth, participants underwent aided testing in narrow bandwidth and extended high-frquency bandwidth BCD listening conditions. Aided word and phoneme recognition in quiet was assessed at soft and conversational speech levels with the better ear plugged. Aided thresholds and Ling 6 phoneme sounds were also assessed in quiet with the better ear plugged. Speech perception in noise was assessed at ± 90° and co-located at 0° using the adaptive Hearing in Noise Test. Findings demonstrate a significant improvement in speech perception outcomes when listening with extended high-frequency bandwidth. Extended high-frequency bandwidth significantly improved word and phoneme recognition for soft and average conversational speech. The largest effects were observed for voiceless phonemes. Results suggest use of bone conduction devices with extended high-frequency bandwidth result in improved hearing outcomes when compared with narrow bandwidth bone conduction devices.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current hearing aids have a limited bandwidth, which limits the intelligibility and quality of their output, and inhibits their uptake. Recent advances in signal processing, as well as novel methods of transduction, allow for a greater useable frequency range. Previous studies have shown a benefit for this extended bandwidth in consonant recognition, talker-sex identification, and separating sound sources. To explore whether there would be any direct spatial benefits to extending bandwidth, we used a dynamic localization method in a realistic situation. DESIGN Twenty-eight adult participants with minimal hearing loss reoriented themselves as quickly and accurately as comfortable to a new, off-axis near-field talker continuing a story in a background of far-field talkers of the same overall level in a simulated large room with common building materials. All stimuli were low-pass filtered at either 5 or 10 kHz on each trial. To further simulate current hearing aids, participants wore microphones above the pinnae and insert earphones adjusted to provide a linear, zero-gain response. RESULTS Each individual trajectory was recorded with infra-red motion-tracking and analyzed for accuracy, duration, start time, peak velocity, peak velocity time, complexity, reversals, and misorientations. Results across listeners showed a significant increase in peak velocity and significant decrease in start and peak velocity time with greater (10 kHz) bandwidth. CONCLUSIONS These earlier, swifter orientations demonstrate spatial benefits beyond static localization accuracy in plausible conditions; extended bandwidth without pinna cues provided more salient cues in a realistic mixture of talkers.
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Hua H, Goossens T, Lewis AT. Increased maximum power output may improve speech recognition with bone conduction hearing devices. Int J Audiol 2021; 61:670-677. [PMID: 34369239 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1959953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of maximum power output of bone conduction hearing devices on speech recognition in quiet and in noise in experienced users of bone conduction hearing devices. DESIGN Prospective, randomised cross-over investigation comparing speech recognition performance, subjective sound quality, and device preference between two bone conduction hearing devices with different maximum power outputs. STUDY SAMPLE Sixteen adult subjects with conductive or mixed hearing loss. RESULTS Both speech recognition in quiet and speech recognition in noise improved significantly when using the device with high vs. lower maximum power output. Mean improvement in word recognition score in quiet was 10.5% and the mean speech reception threshold in noise improved by 0.9 dB SNR. Compared to the device with lower maximum power output, the sound quality was rated significantly higher with the device with high maximum power output, which was also the device of preference for 81% of the subjects. CONCLUSION Bone conduction hearing devices with higher maximum power output have the potential to improve speech recognition in both quiet and noisy listening environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håkan Hua
- Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Mölnlycke, Sweden
| | - Tine Goossens
- Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Mölnlycke, Sweden
| | - Aaran T Lewis
- Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB, Mölnlycke, Sweden
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10
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Folkeard P, Eeckhoutte MV, Levy S, Dundas D, Abbasalipour P, Glista D, Agrawal S, Scollie S. Detection, Speech Recognition, Loudness, and Preference Outcomes With a Direct Drive Hearing Aid: Effects of Bandwidth. Trends Hear 2021; 25:2331216521999139. [PMID: 33874803 PMCID: PMC8060758 DOI: 10.1177/2331216521999139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct drive hearing devices, which deliver a signal directly to the
middle ear by vibrating the tympanic membrane via a lens placed in
contact with the umbo, are designed to provide an extension of audible
bandwidth, but there are few studies of the effects of these devices
on preference, speech intelligibility, and loudness. The current study
is the first to compare aided speech understanding between narrow and
extended bandwidth conditions for listeners with hearing loss while
fitted with a direct drive hearing aid system. The study also explored
the effect of bandwidth on loudness perception and investigated
subjective preference for bandwidth. Fifteen adult hearing aid users
with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss participated in a
prospective, within-subjects, randomized single-blind
repeated-measures study. Participants wore the direct drive hearing
aids for 4 to 15 weeks (average 6 weeks) prior to outcome measurement.
Outcome measures were completed in various bandwidth conditions
achieved by reducing the gain of the device above 5000 Hz or by
filtering the stimuli. Aided detection thresholds provided evidence of
amplification to 10000 Hz. A significant improvement was found in
high-frequency consonant detection and recognition, as well as for
speech in noise performance in the full versus narrow bandwidth
conditions. Subjective loudness ratings increased with provision of
the full bandwidth available; however, real-world trials showed most
participants were able to wear the full bandwidth hearing aids with
only small adjustments to the prescription method. The majority of
participants had either no preference or a preference for the full
bandwidth setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Folkeard
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maaike Van Eeckhoutte
- Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.,Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Levy
- Earlens Corporation, Menlo Park, California, United States
| | - Drew Dundas
- Earlens Corporation, Menlo Park, California, United States
| | | | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Agrawal
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Vaisberg JM, Beaulac S, Glista D, Macpherson EA, Scollie SD. Perceived Sound Quality Dimensions Influencing Frequency-Gain Shaping Preferences for Hearing Aid-Amplified Speech and Music. Trends Hear 2021; 25:2331216521989900. [PMID: 33563136 PMCID: PMC7876583 DOI: 10.1177/2331216521989900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing aids are typically fitted using speech-based prescriptive formulae to make speech more intelligible. Individual preferences may vary from these prescriptions and may also vary with signal type. It is important to consider what motivates listener preferences and how those preferences can inform hearing aid processing so that assistive listening devices can best be tailored for hearing aid users. Therefore, this study explored preferred frequency-gain shaping relative to prescribed gain for speech and music samples. Preferred gain was determined for 22 listeners with mild sloping to moderately severe hearing loss relative to individually prescribed amplification while listening to samples of male speech, female speech, pop music, and classical music across low-, mid-, and high-frequency bands. Samples were amplified using a fast-acting compression hearing aid simulator. Preferences were determined using an adaptive paired comparison procedure. Listeners then rated speech and music samples processed using prescribed and preferred shaping across different sound quality descriptors. On average, low-frequency gain was significantly increased relative to the prescription for all stimuli and most substantially for pop and classical music. High-frequency gain was decreased significantly for pop music and male speech. Gain adjustments, particularly in the mid- and high-frequency bands, varied considerably between listeners. Music preferences were driven by changes in perceived fullness and sharpness, whereas speech preferences were driven by changes in perceived intelligibility and loudness. The results generally support the use of prescribed amplification to optimize speech intelligibility and alternative amplification for music listening for most listeners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Vaisberg
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Graduate Program in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (Hearing Science), Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Bose Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Steve Beaulac
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ewan A Macpherson
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan D Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Trine A, Monson BB. Extended High Frequencies Provide Both Spectral and Temporal Information to Improve Speech-in-Speech Recognition. Trends Hear 2020; 24:2331216520980299. [PMID: 33345755 PMCID: PMC7756042 DOI: 10.1177/2331216520980299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that extended high frequencies (EHFs; >8 kHz) in speech are not only audible but also have some utility for speech recognition, including for speech-in-speech recognition when maskers are facing away from the listener. However, the contribution of EHF spectral versus temporal information to speech recognition is unknown. Here, we show that access to EHF temporal information improved speech-in-speech recognition relative to speech bandlimited at 8 kHz but that additional access to EHF spectral detail provided an additional small but significant benefit. Results suggest that both EHF spectral structure and the temporal envelope contribute to the observed EHF benefit. Speech recognition performance was quite sensitive to masker head orientation, with a rotation of only 15° providing a highly significant benefit. An exploratory analysis indicated that pure-tone thresholds at EHFs are better predictors of speech recognition performance than low-frequency pure-tone thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Trine
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, United States
| | - Brian B Monson
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, United States.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, United States
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13
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Van Eeckhoutte M, Scollie S, O'Hagan R, Glista D. Perceptual Benefits of Extended Bandwidth Hearing Aids With Children: A Within-Subject Design Using Clinically Available Hearing Aids. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2020; 63:3834-3846. [PMID: 33002368 DOI: 10.1044/2020_jslhr-20-00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the achieved audibility with clinically available, modern, high-end, behind-the-ear hearing aids fitted using the Desired Sensation Level v5.0 child prescription for a clinical sample of children with hearing impairment and the effect of the extended bandwidth provided by the hearing aids on several outcome measures. Method The achieved audibility was measured using the maximum audible output frequency method. Twenty-eight children (7-17 years old) with mild to severe hearing losses completed this study. Two hearing aid conditions were fitted for each participant: an extended bandwidth condition, which was fitted to targets as closely as possible, and a restricted bandwidth condition, for which aided output was restricted above 4.5 kHz. Consonant discrimination in noise, subjective preference, aided loudness growth, and preferred listening levels were evaluated in both conditions. Results The extended bandwidth hearing aid fittings provided speech audibility above 4.5 kHz for all children, with an average maximum audible output frequency of 7376 Hz (SD = 1669 Hz). When compared to a restricted bandwidth, the extended bandwidth condition led to an improvement of 5.4% for consonant discrimination in noise scores, mostly attributable to /s/, /z/, and /t/ phoneme perception. Aided loudness results and preferred listening levels were not significantly different across bandwidth conditions; however, 65% of the children indicated a subjective preference for the extended bandwidth. Conclusion The study suggests that providing the full bandwidth available, with modern, behind-the-ear hearing aids, leads to improved audibility, when compared to restricted bandwidth hearing aids, and that it leads to beneficial outcomes for children who use hearing aids, fitted to the Desired Sensation Level v5.0 child prescription, without causing significant increases in their loudness perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Van Eeckhoutte
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby
- Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) & Audiology Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin O'Hagan
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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