Development and evaluation of a procedure for fitting multi-channel compression hearing aids

Hearing aids with multi-channel compression are often fitted on the basis of loudness scaling data obtained using narrow bands of noise or tones. Here, we report the development and evaluation of an alternative fitting procedure based on the use of speech signals. The parameters of the hearing aid (the gains in each channel for high and low input levels) are adjusted adaptively under computer control on the basis of the listener's responses. The goal is that speech at 85 dB SPL should be judged as 'loud', speech at 60 dB SPL should be judged as 'quiet', and speech at both levels should be judged as 'neither tinny nor boomy'. The procedure was evaluated using a two-channel compression hearing aid, the remote control of which allowed two programs to be stored. One program was based on our fitting procedure. The other was either based on the manufacturer's recommended full fitting procedure (which included loudness scaling with bands of noise), or was based on the audiogram alone, using the manufacturer's algorithm. After an acclimatization period of at least two weeks, subjects were then asked to fill in a questionnaire about their experiences with the two programs in different listening situations. The results generally indicated a preference for the program based on our adaptive fitting procedure. We also conducted laboratory measurements of speech intelligibility, in quiet and in a background of a single competing talker. These showed no clear difference between programs, although scores overall were very high. We conclude that our adaptive procedure gives very satisfactory results in everyday life. Parameter values giving good comfort also give good intelligibility. The procedure typically takes between five and 10 minutes per ear, which is quicker than most loudness scaling procedures.