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Related Experiment Videos

Maximum usable real-ear insertion gain with ten earmold designs

F K Kuk1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612.

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Earmold occlusion significantly impacts maximum usable real-ear insertion gain (REIG) in hearing aids. More occluding earmolds generally allow for greater REIG, crucial for effective hearing aid amplification.

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Area of Science:

  • Audiology
  • Hearing Aid Technology
  • Acoustics

Background:

  • Hearing aid performance is influenced by earmold design.
  • Understanding the relationship between earmold occlusion and acoustic gain is vital for fitting hearing aids.
  • Previous research has explored various earmold parameters, but the specific impact of occlusion on maximum usable gain requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the maximum usable real-ear insertion gain (REIG) across ten different earmold designs with varying occlusion levels.
  • To evaluate the influence of earmold occlusion on the performance of high-gain hearing aids.
  • To examine the specificity of a non-occluding earmold for a particular hearing aid model.

Main Methods:

  • Ten earmold designs with differing occlusion levels were fitted to a high-gain hearing aid (Phonak Super-Front PPCL).

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  • Maximum usable REIG was measured in 10 hearing-impaired subjects, defined as the gain just below acoustic feedback onset during jaw movement.
  • The performance of a non-occluding earmold with the Oticon E43 hearing aid was also assessed.

    • Main Results:

    • Earmold style significantly affected the maximum usable REIG.
    • Among occluding earmolds, shell, canal, and skeleton designs yielded similar REIG, while the standard earmold provided the least.
    • Non-occluding earmolds that were more occluding allowed for greater REIG, indicating occlusion's impact.

    Conclusions:

    • Earmold occlusion is a critical factor determining the maximum usable real-ear insertion gain achievable with hearing aids.
    • Hearing aid fitting protocols should consider earmold occlusion to optimize acoustic gain and prevent feedback.
    • The degree of occlusion in non-occluding earmolds can influence their effectiveness with specific hearing aid devices.