Input-output function of the acoustic reflex and objective hearing aid evaluation

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Science
• Speech and Hearing

Background:

• Hearing aid evaluation traditionally considers audiological properties.
• The most comfortable loudness intensity range is crucial for effective hearing aid fitting.
• Objective and subjective methods should align with comfortable loudness levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate acoustic reflex input-output characteristics for hearing aid evaluation.
• To explore the approximation of pathological input-output functions to normal ranges using hearing aids.
• To present initial experiences with a new hearing aid fitting procedure.

Main Methods:

• Investigated acoustic reflex input-output functions using speech noise and narrow-band noise (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz).
• Established normal input-output characteristics.
• Performed frequency-specific elicitation of the stapedial reflex with and without hearing aids.

Main Results:

• Input-output characteristics of the acoustic reflex were analyzed for various noise stimuli.
• Normal input-output characteristics were established as a baseline.
• The study reports on the initial application of the developed fitting procedure.

Conclusions:

• Hearing aid fitting procedures should prioritize the most comfortable loudness intensity range.
• Hearing aid evaluation can be viewed as correcting pathological input-output functions towards normal ranges.
• Frequency-specific stapedial reflex measurements aid in compensating for hearing impairment based on dynamic properties.