Comparison of sound quality and clarity with asymmetrical peak clipping and output limiting compression

This study compared the preferences of 12 subjects with mild-to-moderate hearing losses for a linear circuit when the type of output limitation could be changed between asymmetrical peak clipping and output limiting compression. Through a paired-comparison paradigm, subjects rated the sound quality and clarity of speech in quiet, speech in noise, and music when the output levels were well below saturation and when slight saturation and high saturation occurred. A significant preference was found for the output limiting compression for each of the three stimuli for both sound quality and clarity. The preference became stronger with increases in saturation. The results suggest that if linear hearing aids are being used, the output should be limited with compression rather than peak clipping.