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Development and evaluation of a procedure for fitting multi-channel compression hearing aids
B C Moore1, J I Alcántara, B R Glasberg
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK.
British Journal of Audiology
|August 26, 1998
Summary
A new adaptive hearing aid fitting procedure using speech signals is faster and preferred by users over traditional methods. This speech-based approach ensures comfortable loudness perception and good speech intelligibility in daily listening situations.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Speech Processing
Background:
- Traditional hearing aid fitting relies on loudness scaling with noise or tones.
- Multi-channel compression hearing aids require precise parameter adjustments for optimal performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an adaptive hearing aid fitting procedure using speech signals.
- To compare the speech-based fitting procedure with manufacturer-recommended methods.
Main Methods:
- An adaptive computer-controlled procedure adjusted hearing aid gains based on listener feedback to speech stimuli.
- Participants evaluated two hearing aid programs: one adaptive speech-based, the other manufacturer-based.
- Speech intelligibility was measured in quiet and noisy conditions.
Main Results:
- Users generally preferred the adaptive speech-based fitting procedure after a two-week acclimatization period.
- No significant differences in speech intelligibility were found between the fitting methods.
- The adaptive procedure is time-efficient, typically taking 5-10 minutes per ear.
Conclusions:
- The adaptive speech-based hearing aid fitting procedure is effective and preferred for everyday use.
- Comfortable loudness settings derived from the adaptive procedure also ensure good speech intelligibility.
- This method offers a quicker and satisfactory alternative to traditional loudness scaling fitting procedures.