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Amplification for listeners with a moderately severe high-frequency hearing loss.
Chi-Chuen Lau1, Francis Kuk1, Denise Keenan1
1Widex Office of Research in Clinical Amplification (ORCA), Widex Hearing Aid Company, Lisle, IL.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|October 15, 2014
Summary
Extended bandwidth (EBW) hearing aids are preferred for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss. Listeners found EBW superior for sound quality and speech recognition compared to limited bandwidth options.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
Background:
- Limited evidence exists for optimal amplification strategies for moderate-to-severe high-frequency hearing loss.
- Extended Bandwidth (EBW) and frequency lowering are established for different hearing loss degrees.
- The best amplification approach for moderate-to-severe high-frequency loss remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three amplification options for individuals with moderate-to-severe high-frequency hearing loss.
- Compare limited bandwidth (to 4000 Hz), EBW, and frequency transposition hearing aid settings.
- Determine listener preference and performance across different sound environments.
Main Methods:
- A repeated-measures design was employed with 13 adult participants.
- Participants had bilateral hearing loss (50-70 dB HL at 4000 Hz).
- Evaluated sound quality (music, birdsongs), speech perception in quiet, and real-world listening preferences over a 2-week trial.
Main Results:
- A majority of participants preferred Extended Bandwidth (EBW) for home use.
- Frequency transposition was the least preferred amplification option.
- EBW demonstrated superior speech recognition compared to limited bandwidth, and similar performance to frequency transposition.
Conclusions:
- Extended Bandwidth (EBW) amplification is a recommended and effective choice for individuals with moderate-to-severe high-frequency hearing loss.
- EBW offers benefits in sound quality and speech perception for this listener group.
- Further research may explore individualized fitting approaches for high-frequency hearing loss.
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