Digital feedback suppression (DFS). Clinical experiences when fitting a DFS hearing instrument on children

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Instrument Technology
• Pediatric Audiology

Background:

• Acoustic feedback is a significant challenge in fitting powerful behind-the-ear hearing instruments.
• Previous research indicated potential benefits of digital feedback suppression (DFS) prototypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new behind-the-ear hearing instrument with digital feedback suppression (DFS) in children with profound hearing impairment.
• To determine if DFS technology can provide increased high-frequency gain without introducing acoustic feedback.
• To assess user preference and audiological benefit compared to traditional hearing instruments.

Main Methods:

• Ten profoundly hearing-impaired children participated in a three-week trial with the new DFS hearing instruments.
• Audiometric testing involved comparative free-field measurements between original and DFS instruments.
• Questionnaires were administered before and after the trial period to assess feedback and preference.

Main Results:

• Free-field audiometry showed a 5-10 dB improvement at 2000 Hz and greater improvements at higher frequencies.
• The increased high-frequency gain did not result in significant complaints of feedback or howling.
• Nine out of ten subjects preferred the new DFS instruments after the trial period.

Conclusions:

• The new behind-the-ear hearing instrument with DFS is effective in managing acoustic feedback for high-power fittings.
• DFS technology enables the provision of beneficial high-frequency gain for hearing-impaired children.
• The tested DFS instrument offers improved audibility and user satisfaction in the pediatric population.