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Clinical protocols for hearing instrument fitting in the Desired Sensation Level method
Marlene Bagatto1, Sheila Moodie, Susan Scollie
1National Centre for Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada NG6 1H1. Bagatto@nca.uwo.ca
Trends in Amplification
|January 21, 2006
Summary
This chapter details the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) Method for hearing aid fitting. It covers acoustic transforms, real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measurements, and electroacoustic verification for infants, children, and adults.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Accurate hearing aid fitting requires precise assessment and verification protocols.
- Individual ear canal acoustics significantly influence hearing threshold measurements.
- The Desired Sensation Level (DSL) Method is a widely used protocol for hearing aid fitting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the clinical application of the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) Method.
- To detail protocols for the assessment and verification stages of hearing aid fitting.
- To provide clinical and scientific information on audiological procedures.
Main Methods:
- Measurement and application of acoustic transforms.
- Real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measurement in infants.
- Electroacoustic verification of hearing instruments, including insertion gain and venting.
Main Results:
- Acoustic transforms are crucial for accurate hearing threshold assessment.
- RECD measurements provide statistically strong data for fitting infants.
- Simulated real-ear measurements using RECD impact verification accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The chapter provides comprehensive information on the assessment and verification stages of the DSL Method.
- Understanding individual ear canal acoustics is vital for effective hearing aid fitting.
- The presented protocols support evidence-based audiological practices for diverse age groups.