Word-recognition scores in quiet and in noise were obtained from both ears of 101 elderly listeners demonstrating sensorineural hearing loss. These performance scores were compared to word-recognition scores predicted using Articulation Index analysis procedures Negative difference scores (actual performance less predicted performance) would reflect aspects of the hearing impairment and/or the aging process that extend beyond the simple speech audibility constraints imposed by the hearing loss and masking noise. The distributions for both the left and right ears of difference scores in quiet revealed the majority of scores to be grouped near 0. In contrast, both distributions of difference scores in noise were normally distributed around means of approximately –25. These results suggest that the typical elderly hearing-impaired listener should be expected to demonstrate word-recognition performance in quiet similar to that of a normally hearing listener, given the same level of audibility of the speech material. On the other hand, in noise, this typical listener may be expected to demonstrate some word-recognition performance decrement, even after accounting for the audibility constraints of the hearing loss and noise.
This investigation examined whether speech intelligibility in noise can be improved using a new, binaural broadband hearing instrument system. Participants were 36 adults with symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss (18 experienced hearing instrument users and 18 without prior experience). Participants were fit binaurally in a planned comparison, randomized crossover design study with binaural broadband hearing instruments and advanced digital hearing instruments. Following an adjustment period with each device, participants underwent two speech-in-noise tests: the QuickSIN and the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT). Results suggested significantly better performance on the QuickSIN and the HINT measures with the binaural broadband hearing instruments, when compared with the advanced digital hearing instruments and unaided, across and within all noise conditions.
A variety of electroacoustic characteristics was measured on four hearing aids and then repeated with the hearing aids connected to two different FM systems via three coupling methods: direct input, neck loop, and silhouette inductor. The measurements included frequency response, harmonic distortion, noise levels, input-output functions, and FM receiver volume control wheel taper curves. Omnidirectional and directional FM microphones were compared in a classroom environment, and minor changes in hearing aid-silhouette coupling were investigated. Large differences were found in some frequency response comparisons, with no single coupling method providing consistently better agreement with the hearing aid alone response. With the exception of the silhouette inductor, distortion and noise levels were similar for the hearing aids and FM-hearing aid combinations. Differences in the input-output functions between the hearing aids and the FM systems were observed. Some FM-hearing aid combinations produced very nonlinear FM receiver volume control wheel taper curves. The output level of a broadband noise in a classroom was reduced when a directional FM microphone was compared to the omnidirectional version. The results indicate that it cannot be assumed that the electroacoustic characteristics of a personal hearing aid are preserved when it is connected to an FM system.
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