Related Experiment Videos
Objective real ear measurements of bone-conduction hearing aid performance
K Laitakari1, H Löppönen, A Salmivalli
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Oulu, Finland.
Scandinavian Audiology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This study introduces a new method for testing bone-anchored hearing aids using accelerometers and Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) analysis. This approach offers a more objective way to assess device performance compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Conventional bone-conduction and bone-anchored hearing aids require patient-intensive psychoacoustic audiometry for calibration.
- Current testing methods can be demanding and subjective, impacting patient comfort and data accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, objective method for evaluating bone-anchored hearing aid performance.
- To analyze induced skull vibrations for a more precise assessment of hearing aid function.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing skull simulator devices for controlled testing environments.
- Measuring induced skull vibrations with an accelerometer.
- Analyzing vibration data using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) for detailed spectral analysis.
Main Results:
- The proposed method allows for the analysis of frequency characteristics, harmonic distortion, and dynamic response.
- This technique provides objective data on the vibrational output of bone-anchored hearing aids.
Conclusions:
- The accelerometer and FFT-based method offers a more efficient and objective alternative to traditional audiometry for bone-anchored hearing aids.
- This approach has the potential to improve the accuracy and reduce the burden of hearing aid fitting and testing.