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Optimizing Sound Quality Improves Hearing Aid Users' Moods and Listening-Related Fatigue
Erin M Picou1, Laura W Balling2, Taylor Dalzell1
1Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
Trends in Hearing
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Good sound quality in hearing aids significantly improves mood and reduces listening fatigue for adults with hearing loss. Optimizing sound quality enhances daily experiences and well-being for hearing aid users.
Area of Science:
- Audiology and Hearing Science
- Gerontology
- Psychology
Background:
- Hearing aid users often experience challenges with sound quality, impacting their daily lives.
- The relationship between hearing aid sound quality, mood, and fatigue requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how hearing aid sound quality influences mood, listening-related fatigue, and hearing experiences in adults.
- To compare user experiences with preferred versus tolerable sound quality settings.
Main Methods:
- A crossover study involving 30 adults (51-80 years old) with bilateral hearing loss and hearing aid experience.
- Participants adjusted hearing aids to create 'good' and 'tolerable' sound quality programs.
- A one-week home trial for each program, with daily and retrospective ratings of sound quality, mood, and fatigue.
Main Results:
- Sound quality ratings correlated significantly with hearing experiences and mood during home trials.
- A majority of participants preferred the 'good' sound quality program during the home trial.
- Consistent program preference between lab and home trials led to significantly better mood and less listening fatigue with the 'good' program.
Conclusions:
- Hearing aid sound quality is a critical factor influencing listening-related fatigue and mood in adult users.
- Prioritizing optimal sound quality in hearing aid fitting can enhance user well-being and daily functioning.
- Further research should explore long-term effects and personalized sound quality optimization.
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