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Using trainable hearing aids to examine real-world preferred gain
H Gustav Mueller1, Benjamin W Y Hornsby, Jennifer E Weber
1Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. GoVandy@GusMueller.net
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|April 11, 2009
Summary
The initial gain setting significantly impacts preferred hearing aid gain in real-world use. Lower starting gain resulted in better loudness perception and satisfaction for hearing aid users.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Limited data exist on preferred hearing aid gain with modern features.
- Few studies have investigated preferred gain in trainable hearing aids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess real-world preferred hearing aid gain with modern trainable hearing aids.
- To determine if initial programmed gain influences preferred gain outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Crossover study with 22 experienced hearing aid users.
- Participants used hearing aids with volume control (VC) set 6 dB above or below NAL-NL1 targets for 10-14 days each.
- Participants adjusted gain via VC to their preferred level and completed loudness/satisfaction questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Trained preferred gain significantly differed from NAL-NL1 targets for both starting conditions.
- Initial programmed gain strongly influenced trained gain (mean difference ~9 dB, p < .001).
- Lower starting gain (-6 dB) led to more appropriate loudness ratings and higher satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- The initial programmed gain setting is a critical factor influencing real-world preferred hearing aid gain.
- Trainable hearing aids allow users to adjust gain, but the starting point affects the final outcome.
- Optimizing initial gain settings may improve user satisfaction and audibility.
