Evaluation of A “Direct-Comparison” Approach to Automatic Switching In Omnidirectional/Directional Hearing Aids

Summers, Van; Grant, Ken W.; Walden, Brian E.; Cord, Mary T.; Surr, Rauna K.; Elhilali, Mounya

doi:10.3766/jaaa.19.9.6

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Paired with an automatic switching program, some HAs alternate between omnidirectional and directional modes based on environmental noise levels to selectively increase SNR during appropriate listening situations. However, there are limitations to these systems, particularly when multiple noise sources are present, causing the acoustic scene analysis to break down (Chung & Zeng, 2009; Ricketts et al, 2017; Ricketts & Henry, 2002; Summers et al, 2008; Wolfe et al, 2017). Although not perfect, and not intended to completely replace personal microphones for classroom learning, evidence suggests that adaptive and automatic switching microphones are effective promoters of speech perception and incidental language learning compared to omni- and fixed-directionality and thus have been recommended for children as early as six months of age (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short-Term Pediatric Acclimatization to Adaptive Hearing Aid Technology

Pinkl

Cash

Evans

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Purpose: This pilot study assessed the perceptual, cognitive and academic learning effects of an adaptive integrated directionality and noise reduction hearing aid program in pediatric users. Methods: Fifteen pediatric hearing aid users (6 to 12 years old) participated in a hearing aid pilot with pre- to post-comparisons. Participants received new bilateral, individually fitted Oticon OPN hearing aids programmed with OpenSound Navigator (OSN) processing. Word recognition in noise, sentence repetition in quiet, nonword repetition, vocabulary learning, selective attention, executive function, memory, reading and mathematical abilities were measured within one week of the initial hearing aid fitting and two months post-fit. Caregivers completed questionnaires assessing their child's listening and communication abilities prior to study enrollment and after two months of using the study hearing aids. Results: Caregiver reporting indicated significant improvements in speech and sound perception, spatial sound awareness and the ability to participate in conversations. However, there was no positive change in performance in any of the measured skills. Mathematical scores significantly declined after two months. Conclusions: OSN provided a perceived improvement in functional benefit, compared to their previous hearing aids, as reported by caregivers. However, there was no positive change in listening skills, cognition and academic success after two months of using OSN. Findings may have been impacted by reporter bias, limited sample size and a relatively short trial period. This study took place during the summer when participants were out of school which may have influenced the decline in mathematical scores. The results support further exploration with age and audiogram-matched controls, larger sample sizes, and longer test-retest intervals that correspond to the academic school year.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short-Term Pediatric Acclimatization to Adaptive Hearing Aid Technology

Pinkl

Cash

Evans

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short-Term Pediatric Acclimatization to Adaptive Hearing Aid Technology

et al. 2021

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Purpose This exploratory study assessed the perceptual, cognitive, and academic learning effects of an adaptive, integrated, directionality, and noise reduction hearing aid program in pediatric users. Method Fifteen pediatric hearing aid users (6–12 years old) received new bilateral, individually fitted Oticon Opn hearing aids programmed with OpenSound Navigator (OSN) processing. Word recognition in noise, sentence repetition in quiet, nonword repetition, vocabulary learning, selective attention, executive function, memory, and reading and mathematical abilities were measured within 1 week of the initial hearing aid fitting and 2 months post fit. Caregivers completed questionnaires assessing their child's listening and communication abilities prior to study enrollment and after 2 months of using the study hearing aids. Results Caregiver reporting indicated significant improvements in speech and sound perception, spatial sound awareness, and the ability to participate in conversations. However, there was no positive change in performance in any of the measured skills. Mathematical scores significantly declined after 2 months. Conclusions OSN provided a perceived improvement in functional benefit, compared to their previous hearing aids, as reported by caregivers. However, there was no positive change in listening skills, cognition, and academic success after 2 months of using OSN. Findings may have been impacted by reporter bias, limited sample size, and a relatively short trial period. This study took place during the summer when participants were out of school, which may have influenced the decline in mathematical scores. The results support further exploration with age- and audiogram-matched controls, larger sample sizes, and longer test–retest intervals that correspond to the academic school year.

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