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Comparison of two adaptive procedures for fitting a multi-channel compression hearing aid.
Brian C J Moore1, Josephine Marriage, José Alcántara
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. bcjm@cam.ac.uk
International Journal of Audiology
|August 5, 2005
Summary
Two hearing aid fitting methods, Camadapt and Eartuner, showed similar overall satisfaction but differed in gain settings and user preference. Eartuner offered better test-retest reliability for hearing aid adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Aid Technology
Background:
- Hearing aids utilize multi-channel compression to improve audibility.
- Adaptive fitting procedures aim to optimize hearing aid performance based on user feedback.
- Comparing different adaptive fitting strategies is crucial for enhancing user experience and hearing aid effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and user acceptance of two adaptive hearing aid fitting procedures: Camadapt and Eartuner.
- To evaluate the impact of different sensory judgments (loudness, tonal quality, clarity) on hearing aid fitting outcomes.
- To assess the test-retest reliability and long-term user satisfaction associated with each fitting procedure.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 16 new hearing aid users fitted unilaterally with either Camadapt or Eartuner.
- Utilized subjective feedback on speech and music stimuli, alongside diary entries and standardized questionnaires (e.g., APHAB).
- Fittings were counter-balanced, and users experienced each program for 2-4 weeks before re-fitting and evaluation.
Main Results:
- Camadapt generally resulted in higher low-level gains and lower high-level gains compared to Eartuner.
- Recommended gains by both procedures remained stable after the initial experience period.
- Eight participants preferred Camadapt fittings (associated with better speech communication), while eight preferred Eartuner fittings (associated with fewer aversion issues).
- Overall satisfaction ratings were high for both procedures, but Eartuner demonstrated superior test-retest reliability.
Conclusions:
- Both Camadapt and Eartuner are effective adaptive fitting procedures for multi-channel compression hearing aids, yielding high user satisfaction.
- The choice between Camadapt and Eartuner may depend on individual user priorities, such as speech intelligibility versus comfort and reduced aversion.
- Eartuner's higher test-retest reliability suggests greater consistency in hearing aid adjustments over time.