Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of hearing aid technology level on listener outcome measures. In addition, we aimed to determine if individual characteristics such as noise acceptance and the demands of the listening environment impacted performance and preference. Method A repeated-measures, single-blinded research design was utilized. Twenty-four adults recruited by mail from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Audiology Clinic participated in this experiment (15 men and nine women). Participants completed two 2-week trial periods using Unitron T Moxi Fit FLEX:TRIAL devices programmed as basic or premium technology levels. A data-logging feature, Log It All (LIA), quantified the demands of the listening environment. At the end of each trial, outcome measures were obtained using Pascoe's High-Frequency Word List, the Hearing in Noise Test, the Quick Speech-in-Noise Test, the Acceptable Noise Level (ANL), the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing short form, satisfaction ratings, and preference. Results Results for ANL, satisfaction in large groups, and LIA total coverage were significantly improved for the premium devices. Participants who preferred the premium devices received significant improvement with premium devices on the ANL and the speech in small group and speech in large group satisfaction ratings, whereas participants who preferred the basic devices did not receive significant improvement with premium devices on any outcome measure. Participants in more demanding listening environments received significant improvement with premium devices on the ANL, whereas participants in less demanding listening environments did not receive significant improvement with premium devices on any outcome measure. Conclusions Group data revealed similar outcomes between technology levels on most measures; however, noise acceptance and satisfaction for speech in a large group were significantly improved when using the premium devices. Individual characteristics such as noise acceptance and listening demands may be useful when comparing hearing aid technology levels for a given patient.

Recent research has advanced the understanding of many diseases to a molecular level. Described here is the case of a teenage girl with proteinuria and primary amenorrhea. We present the current knowledge of her underlying disorder, Frasier syndrome, and its genetic basis, which are specific mutations in the Wilms tumor gene. The findings in Frasier syndrome research are contrasted with those of a related disorder, Denys-Drash syndrome, which is caused by different mutations in the same gene.

Background: Hearing aid manufacturers offer several different levels of technology that vary in sophistication and cost. It would stand to reason that higher technology hearing aids would provide greater benefit in the daily life of the user; however, research does not support this assumption for all users. Recent research in experienced hearing aid users indicated noise acceptance and satisfaction for speech in a large group were significantly improved when using the premium devices and suggested noise acceptance may be useful when comparing hearing aid technology levels. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hearing aid technology level on listener outcome measures for new hearing aid users. Research Design: A repeated measures, single-blinded research design was utilized. Study Sample: Twenty-four adults with no previous hearing aid experience were recruited using flyers posted at the University of Tennessee Audiology Clinic and on social media (19 males, five females). The average age of the participants was 61 years (48-81 years). Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed two, four-week trial periods using Unitron T Moxi Fit FLEX:TRIALTM devices programmed with basic or premium technology. Following each trial, laboratory evaluations were conducted using the QuickSIN, Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), and the Acceptable Noise Level (ANL). Subjective data was obtained using the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing short form (SSQ-12), satisfaction ratings and preference. Data was analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Speech perception results did not reveal significant differences between technology level on the HINT or QuickSIN; however, ANL values were significantly improved for the premium devices. Subjective results revealed significantly improved satisfaction for speech in a large group and overall preference when using premium technology. Conclusions: Group data revealed similar outcomes between technology levels on most measures; however, noise acceptance, satisfaction for speech in a large group, and overall preference were significantly improved when using the premium devices. Individual characteristics such as noise acceptance, age, and degree of hearing loss may be useful when comparing hearing aid technology levels for new hearing aid users.