Speech self-perception algorithm objective analysis with elderly hearing aids users

Abstract

Purpose To analyze, by electroacoustic verification at 65 dB SPL, the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), with the speech self-perception algorithm activated and deactivated in elderly hearing aid users. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study. The participants were 40 older adults with mild to severe bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss, aged between 60 and 80 years, who attended a hearing center, users of Rexton receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) devices, My Core platform with speech Self-perception algorithm. After an audiological evaluation, the hearing aids were programmed using the NAL/NL2 prescriptive method and fine-tuned according to individual needs. The speech self-perception algorithm was calibrated and after performing the electroacoustic verification, the Speech Intelligibility Index was quantified. Electroacoustic verification was performed with and without the self-perception of speech algorithm enabled. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics software, version 28.0. The statistical significance value was equal to 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Results In the right ear, without activation of the algorithm, the average SII was 58.9% (±14.7) and with activation, 57.85% (±14.8). In the left ear, without activation of the algorithm, the SSI was 63.1% (±15.13) and with activation, 61.9% (±15.2). There was statistical significance between the SII obtained with the algorithm on and off (p<0.001). In both ears, with the self-perception activated algorithm activated, the mean SII was lower than without. Conclusion There is a reduction in SII with the self-perception of speech algorithm activated in strong mode.