The Use of Large Group Assistive Listening Devices With and Without Hearing Aids in an Adult Classroom Setting

Abstract

During a hearing loss management workshop, 10 listeners with normal hearing sensitivity and 18 listeners with sensorineural hearing loss compared four group assistive listening devices (ALDs)—FM, induction loop, infrared, and soundfield amplification—to no system. Listeners with hearing loss were tested using the ALDs alone and using the ALDs inductively coupled to personal in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Significant improvements in word recognition ability with the FM, induction loop, and infrared systems were noted in listeners with normal hearing and with all ALD systems in listeners with hearing loss, as compared to performance with no system. Listeners with hearing loss performed better and preferred using the FM, induction loop, and infrared systems with headsets, but preferred the soundfield amplification system with their hearing aids. Both groups of listeners preferred the FM system over other systems in terms of performance, comfort, and ease of use.

Functional performance in older adults with hearing loss: Application of the International Classification of Functioning brief core set for hearing loss: A pilot study

“…A number of studies supported the combined use of HA and HATs. For example, Noe et al (1997) found that the word recognition ability with HA and HATs signifi cantly performed better in listeners with normal hearing and listeners with HL, as compared to performance with only HA use.…”

Self-assessment of classroom assistive listening devices

“…Maximum level ( ϩ 24 dB) was preferred when listening to the teacher, and minimum level (−6 dB) was preferred when listening to others in the classroom. FM and IL systems have also been shown to provide equal word recognition benefi ts (Nabelek et al, 1986;Noe et al, 1997).…”

“…Both FM and IL systems provide equal benefi t (Nabelek et al, 1986;Noe et al, 1997). ALDs have been developed for the context of a single talker.…”

Speech Perception Benefits of FM and Infrared Devices to Children With Hearing Aids in a Typical Classroom

“…An improvement in word discrimination of up to 25Vo can occur under ideal reverberation conditions (i.e., 0.3 RT; Boothroyd & Iglehart, 1998). Even in a low reverberation environment, performance is better with devices presenting the improved signal within the critical listening distance than with presentation of the signal by sound field FM or infrared devices presenting the teacher's voice throughout the classroom Noe, Davidson, & Mishler, 1997 Crandell et a1., 1998;Picard & Lefrancois, 1986) or in an environment that has an RT of less than 0.4 s (Blair et a1., 1989; Noe et al, 1997).…”