1
|
Brennan MA, Browning JM, Spratford M, Kirby BJ, McCreery RW. Influence of aided audibility on speech recognition performance with frequency composition for children and adults. Int J Audiol 2021; 60:849-857. [PMID: 33719807 PMCID: PMC8440664 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1893839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary purpose of this project was to evaluate the influence of speech audibility on speech recognition with frequency composition, a frequency-lowering algorithm used in hearing aids. DESIGN Participants were tested to determine word and sentence recognition thresholds in background noise, with and without frequency composition. The audibility of speech was quantified using the speech intelligibility index (SII). STUDY SAMPLE Participants included 17 children (ages 6-16) and 21 adults (ages 19 to 72) with bilateral mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS Word and sentence recognition thresholds did not change significantly with frequency composition. Participants with better aided speech audibility had better speech recognition in noise, regardless of processing condition, than those with poorer aided audibility. For the child participants, changes in the word recognition threshold between processing conditions were predictable from aided speech audibility. However, this relationship depended strongly on one participant with a low SII and otherwise, changes in speech recognition between frequency composition off and on were not predicable from aided speech audibility. CONCLUSION While these results suggest that children who have a low-aided SII may benefit from frequency composition, further data are needed to generalise these findings to a greater number of participants and variety of stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc A. Brennan
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
| | | | | | - Benjamin J. Kirby
- Department of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology, University of North Texas
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Uhler KM, Kaizer AM, Walker KA, Gilley PM. Relationship between Behavioral Infant Speech Perception and Hearing Age for Children with Hearing Loss. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194566. [PMID: 34640584 PMCID: PMC8509691 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Research has demonstrated that early intervention for children who are hard-of-hearing (CHH) facilitates improved language development. Early speech perception abilities may impact CHH outcomes and guide future intervention. The objective of this study was to examine the use of a conditioned head turn (CHT) task as a measure of speech discrimination in CHH using a clinically feasible protocol. (2) Methods: Speech perception was assessed for a consonant and vowel contrast among 57 CHH and 70 children with normal hearing (CNH) aged 5–17 months using a CHT paradigm. (3) Results: Regardless of hearing status, 74% of CHH and 77% of CNH could discriminate /a-i/, and 55% of CHH and 56% of CNH could discriminate /ba-da/. Regression models revealed that both CHH and CNH performed better on /ba-da/ at 70 dBA compared to 50 dBA. Performance by hearing age showed no speech perception differences for CNH and children with mild hearing loss for either contrast. However, children with hearing losses ≥ 41 dB HL performed significantly poorer than CNH for /a-i/. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the clinical feasibility of assessing early speech perception in infants with hearing loss and replicates previous findings of speech perception abilities among CHH and CNH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Uhler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexander M. Kaizer
- Department of Biostatics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Kerry A. Walker
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Phillip M. Gilley
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qi S, Chen X, Yang J, Wang X, Tian X, Huang H, Rehmann J, Kuehnel V, Guan J, Xu L. Effects of Adaptive Non-linear Frequency Compression in Hearing Aids on Mandarin Speech and Sound-Quality Perception. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:722970. [PMID: 34483833 PMCID: PMC8414550 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.722970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was aimed at examining the effects of an adaptive non-linear frequency compression algorithm implemented in hearing aids (i.e., SoundRecover2, or SR2) at different parameter settings and auditory acclimatization on speech and sound-quality perception in native Mandarin-speaking adult listeners with sensorineural hearing loss. Design Data consisted of participants’ unaided and aided hearing thresholds, Mandarin consonant and vowel recognition in quiet, and sentence recognition in noise, as well as sound-quality ratings through five sessions in a 12-week period with three SR2 settings (i.e., SR2 off, SR2 default, and SR2 strong). Study Sample Twenty-nine native Mandarin-speaking adults aged 37–76 years old with symmetric sloping moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss were recruited. They were all fitted bilaterally with Phonak Naida V90-SP BTE hearing aids with hard ear-molds. Results The participants demonstrated a significant improvement of aided hearing in detecting high frequency sounds at 8 kHz. For consonant recognition and overall sound-quality rating, the participants performed significantly better with the SR2 default setting than the other two settings. No significant differences were found in vowel and sentence recognition among the three SR2 settings. Test session was a significant factor that contributed to the participants’ performance in all speech and sound-quality perception tests. Specifically, the participants benefited from a longer duration of hearing aid use. Conclusion Findings from this study suggested possible perceptual benefit from the adaptive non-linear frequency compression algorithm for native Mandarin-speaking adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss. Periods of acclimatization should be taken for better performance in novel technologies in hearing aids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Qi
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Capital Medical University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xueqing Chen
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Capital Medical University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Xianhui Wang
- Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Xu
- Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Folkeard P, Eeckhoutte MV, Levy S, Dundas D, Abbasalipour P, Glista D, Agrawal S, Scollie S. Detection, Speech Recognition, Loudness, and Preference Outcomes With a Direct Drive Hearing Aid: Effects of Bandwidth. Trends Hear 2021; 25:2331216521999139. [PMID: 33874803 PMCID: PMC8060758 DOI: 10.1177/2331216521999139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct drive hearing devices, which deliver a signal directly to the
middle ear by vibrating the tympanic membrane via a lens placed in
contact with the umbo, are designed to provide an extension of audible
bandwidth, but there are few studies of the effects of these devices
on preference, speech intelligibility, and loudness. The current study
is the first to compare aided speech understanding between narrow and
extended bandwidth conditions for listeners with hearing loss while
fitted with a direct drive hearing aid system. The study also explored
the effect of bandwidth on loudness perception and investigated
subjective preference for bandwidth. Fifteen adult hearing aid users
with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss participated in a
prospective, within-subjects, randomized single-blind
repeated-measures study. Participants wore the direct drive hearing
aids for 4 to 15 weeks (average 6 weeks) prior to outcome measurement.
Outcome measures were completed in various bandwidth conditions
achieved by reducing the gain of the device above 5000 Hz or by
filtering the stimuli. Aided detection thresholds provided evidence of
amplification to 10000 Hz. A significant improvement was found in
high-frequency consonant detection and recognition, as well as for
speech in noise performance in the full versus narrow bandwidth
conditions. Subjective loudness ratings increased with provision of
the full bandwidth available; however, real-world trials showed most
participants were able to wear the full bandwidth hearing aids with
only small adjustments to the prescription method. The majority of
participants had either no preference or a preference for the full
bandwidth setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Folkeard
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maaike Van Eeckhoutte
- Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.,Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Suzanne Levy
- Earlens Corporation, Menlo Park, California, United States
| | - Drew Dundas
- Earlens Corporation, Menlo Park, California, United States
| | | | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Agrawal
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Van Eeckhoutte M, Scollie S, O'Hagan R, Glista D. Perceptual Benefits of Extended Bandwidth Hearing Aids With Children: A Within-Subject Design Using Clinically Available Hearing Aids. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2020; 63:3834-3846. [PMID: 33002368 DOI: 10.1044/2020_jslhr-20-00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the achieved audibility with clinically available, modern, high-end, behind-the-ear hearing aids fitted using the Desired Sensation Level v5.0 child prescription for a clinical sample of children with hearing impairment and the effect of the extended bandwidth provided by the hearing aids on several outcome measures. Method The achieved audibility was measured using the maximum audible output frequency method. Twenty-eight children (7-17 years old) with mild to severe hearing losses completed this study. Two hearing aid conditions were fitted for each participant: an extended bandwidth condition, which was fitted to targets as closely as possible, and a restricted bandwidth condition, for which aided output was restricted above 4.5 kHz. Consonant discrimination in noise, subjective preference, aided loudness growth, and preferred listening levels were evaluated in both conditions. Results The extended bandwidth hearing aid fittings provided speech audibility above 4.5 kHz for all children, with an average maximum audible output frequency of 7376 Hz (SD = 1669 Hz). When compared to a restricted bandwidth, the extended bandwidth condition led to an improvement of 5.4% for consonant discrimination in noise scores, mostly attributable to /s/, /z/, and /t/ phoneme perception. Aided loudness results and preferred listening levels were not significantly different across bandwidth conditions; however, 65% of the children indicated a subjective preference for the extended bandwidth. Conclusion The study suggests that providing the full bandwidth available, with modern, behind-the-ear hearing aids, leads to improved audibility, when compared to restricted bandwidth hearing aids, and that it leads to beneficial outcomes for children who use hearing aids, fitted to the Desired Sensation Level v5.0 child prescription, without causing significant increases in their loudness perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Van Eeckhoutte
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby
- Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) & Audiology Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin O'Hagan
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu L, Voss SC, Yang J, Wang X, Lu Q, Rehmann J, Kuehnel V, Qian J. Speech Perception and Sound-Quality Rating with an Adaptive Nonlinear Frequency Compression Algorithm in Mandarin-Speaking Hearing Aid Users. J Am Acad Audiol 2020; 31:590-598. [PMID: 32340058 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mandarin Chinese has a rich repertoire of high-frequency speech sounds. This may pose a remarkable challenge to hearing-impaired listeners who speak Mandarin Chinese because of their high-frequency sloping hearing loss. An adaptive nonlinear frequency compression (adaptive NLFC) algorithm has been implemented in contemporary hearing aids to alleviate the problem. PURPOSE The present study examined the performance of speech perception and sound-quality rating in Mandarin-speaking hearing-impaired listeners using hearing aids fitted with adaptive NLFC (i.e., SoundRecover2 or SR2) at different parameter settings. RESEARCH DESIGN Hearing-impaired listeners' phoneme detection thresholds, speech reception thresholds, and sound-quality ratings were collected with various SR2 settings. STUDY SAMPLE The participants included 15 Mandarin-speaking adults aged 32 to 84 years old who had symmetric sloping severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. INTERVENTION The participants were fitted bilaterally with Phonak Naida V90-SP hearing aids. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The outcome measures included phoneme detection threshold using the Mandarin Phonak Phoneme Perception test, speech reception threshold using the Mandarin hearing in noise test (M-HINT), and sound-quality ratings on human speech in quiet and noise, bird chirps, and music in quiet. For each test, five experimental settings were applied and compared: SR2-off, SR2-weak, SR2-default, SR2-strong 1, and SR2-strong 2. RESULTS The results showed that listeners performed significantly better with SR2-strong 1 and SR2-strong 2 settings than with SR2-off or SR2-weak settings for speech reception threshold and phoneme detection threshold. However, no significant improvement was observed in sound-quality ratings among different settings. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggested that the adaptive NLFC algorithm provides perceptual benefit to Mandarin-speaking people with severe-to-profound hearing loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Solveig C Voss
- Innovation Centre Toronto, Sonova Canada, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jing Yang
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Xianhui Wang
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Qian Lu
- Innovation Center Shanghai, Sonova China, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Jinyu Qian
- Innovation Centre Toronto, Sonova Canada, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Van Eeckhoutte M, Folkeard P, Glista D, Scollie S. Speech recognition, loudness, and preference with extended bandwidth hearing aids for adult hearing aid users. Int J Audiol 2020; 59:780-791. [PMID: 32309996 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1750718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: In contrast to the past, some current hearing aids can provide gain for frequencies above 4-5 kHz. This study assessed the effect of wider bandwidth on outcome measures using hearing aids fitted with the DSL v5.0 prescription.Design: There were two conditions: an extended bandwidth condition, for which the maximum available bandwidth was provided, and a restricted bandwidth condition, in which gain was reduced for frequencies above 4.5 kHz. Outcome measures were assessed in both conditions.Study sample: Twenty-four participants with mild-to-moderately-severe sensorineural high-frequency sloping hearing loss.Results: Providing extended bandwidth resulted in maximum audible output frequency values of 7.5 kHz on average for an input level of 65 dB SPL. An improvement in consonant discrimination scores (4.1%), attributable to better perception of /s/, /z/, and /t/ phonemes, was found in the extended bandwidth condition, but no significant change in loudness perception or preferred listening levels was found. Most listeners (79%) had either no preference (33%) or some preference for the extended bandwidth condition (46%).Conclusions: The results suggest that providing the maximum bandwidth available with modern hearing aids fitted with DSL v5.0, using targets from 0.25 to 8 kHz, can be beneficial for the tested population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Folkeard
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Canada.,Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology, Western University, London, Canada.,Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Salorio-Corbetto M, Baer T, Moore BCJ. Comparison of Frequency Transposition and Frequency Compression for People With Extensive Dead Regions in the Cochlea. Trends Hear 2019; 23:2331216518822206. [PMID: 30803386 PMCID: PMC6330725 DOI: 10.1177/2331216518822206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to determine the effects of two frequency-lowering algorithms (frequency transposition, FT, and frequency compression, FC) on audibility, speech identification, and subjective benefit, for people with high-frequency hearing loss and extensive dead regions (DRs) in the cochlea. A single-blind randomized crossover design was used. FT and FC were compared with each other and with a control condition (denoted ‘Control’) without frequency lowering, using hearing aids that were otherwise identical. Data were collected after at least 6 weeks of experience with a condition. Outcome measures were audibility, scores for consonant identification, scores for word-final /s, z/ detection (S test), sentence-in-noise intelligibility, and a questionnaire assessing self-perceived benefit (Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale). Ten adults with steeply sloping high-frequency hearing loss and extensive DRs were tested. FT and FC improved the audibility of some high-frequency sounds for 7 and 9 participants out of 10, respectively. At the group level, performance for FT and FC did not differ significantly from that for Control for any of the outcome measures. However, the pattern of consonant confusions varied across conditions. Bayesian analysis of the confusion matrices revealed a trend for FT to lead to more consistent error patterns than FC and Control. Thus, FT may have the potential to give greater benefit than Control or FC following extended experience or training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Baer
- 1 Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian C J Moore
- 1 Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Radical advancements in hearing technology in the last 30 years have offered some deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children the adequate auditory access necessary to acquire spoken language with high-quality early intervention. However, meaningful achievement gaps in reading and spoken language persist despite the engineering marvel of modern hearing aids and cochlear implants. Moreover, there is enormous unexplained variability in spoken language and literacy outcomes. Aspects of signal processing in both hearing aids and cochlear implants are discussed as they relate to spoken language outcomes in preschool and school-age children. In suggesting areas for future research, a case is made for not only expanding the search for mechanisms of influence on outcomes outside of traditional device- and child-related factors, but also for framing the search within Biopsychosocial systems theories. This theoretical approach incorporates systems of risk factors across many levels, as well as the bidirectional and complex ways in which factors influence each other. The combination of sophisticated hearing technology and a fuller understanding of the complex environmental and biological factors that shape development will help maximize spoken language outcomes in DHH children and contribute to laying the groundwork for successful literacy and academic development.
Collapse
|
10
|
Alexander JM. The S-SH Confusion Test and the Effects of Frequency Lowering. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2019; 62:1486-1505. [PMID: 31063023 DOI: 10.1044/2018_jslhr-h-18-0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Frequency lowering in hearing aids can cause listeners to perceive [s] as [ʃ]. The S-SH Confusion Test, which consists of 66 minimal word pairs spoken by 6 female talkers, was designed to help clinicians and researchers document these negative side effects. This study's purpose was to use this new test to evaluate the hypothesis that these confusions will increase to the extent that low frequencies are altered. Method Twenty-one listeners with normal hearing were each tested on 7 conditions. Three were control conditions that were low-pass filtered at 3.3, 5.0, and 9.1 kHz. Four conditions were processed with nonlinear frequency compression (NFC): 2 had a 3.3-kHz maximum audible output frequency (MAOF), with a start frequency (SF) of 1.6 or 2.2 kHz; 2 had a 5.0-kHz MAOF, with an SF of 1.6 or 4.0 kHz. Listeners' responses were analyzed using concepts from signal detection theory. Response times were also collected as a measure of cognitive processing. Results Overall, [s] for [ʃ] confusions were minimal. As predicted, [ʃ] for [s] confusions increased for NFC conditions with a lower versus higher MAOF and with a lower versus higher SF. Response times for trials with correct [s] responses were shortest for the 9.1-kHz control and increased for the 5.0- and 3.3-kHz controls. NFC response times were also significantly longer as MAOF and SF decreased. The NFC condition with the highest MAOF and SF had statistically shorter response times than its control condition, indicating that, under some circumstances, NFC may ease cognitive processing. Conclusions Large differences in the S-SH Confusion Test across frequency-lowering conditions show that it can be used to document a major negative side effect associated with frequency lowering. Smaller but significant differences in response times for correct [s] trials indicate that NFC can help or hinder cognitive processing, depending on its settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Alexander
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University,West Lafayette, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Salorio-Corbetto M, Baer T, Moore BCJ. Evaluation of a Frequency-Lowering Algorithm for Adults With High-Frequency Hearing Loss. Trends Hear 2019; 21:2331216517734455. [PMID: 29027511 PMCID: PMC5642012 DOI: 10.1177/2331216517734455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to determine the effects of a frequency-lowering algorithm (frequency composition, Fcomp) on consonant identification, word-final /s, z/ detection, the intelligibility of sentences in noise, and subjective benefit, for people with high-frequency hearing loss, including people with dead regions (DRs) in the cochlea. A single-blind randomized crossover design was used. Performance with Bernafon Acriva 9 hearing aids was compared with Fcomp off and Fcomp on. Participants wore the hearing aids in each condition in a counterbalanced order. Data were collected after at least 8 weeks of experience with a condition. Outcome measures were audibility, scores from the speech perception tests, and scores from a questionnaire comparing self-perceived hearing ability with Fcomp off and Fcomp on. Ten adults with mild to severe high-frequency hearing loss (seven with extensive DRs, one with patchy or restricted DRs, and two with no DR) were tested. Fcomp improved the audibility of high-frequency sounds for 6 out of 10 participants. There was no overall effect of Fcomp on consonant identification, but the pattern of consonant confusions varied across conditions and participants. For word-final /s, z/ detection, performance was significantly better with Fcomp on than with Fcomp off. Questionnaire scores showed no differences between conditions. In summary, Fcomp improved word-final /s, z/ detection. No benefit was found for the other measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Baer
- 1 Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian C J Moore
- 1 Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Glista D, Scollie S. The Use of Frequency Lowering Technology in the Treatment of Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss: A Review of the Literature and Candidacy Considerations for Clinical Application. Semin Hear 2018; 39:377-389. [PMID: 30374209 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1670700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides a review of the current literature on the topic of frequency lowering hearing aid technology specific to the treatment of severe and profound levels of hearing impairment in child and adult listeners. Factors to consider when assessing listener candidacy for frequency lowering technology are discussed. These include factors related to audiometric assessment, the listener, the type of hearing aid technology, and the verification and validation procedures that can assist in determining candidacy for frequency lowering technology. An individualized candidacy assessment including the use of real-ear verification measures and carefully chosen validation tools are recommended for listeners requiring greater audibility of high-frequency sounds, when compared with amplification via conventional hearing aid technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Glista
- National Centre for Audiology/Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Scollie
- National Centre for Audiology/Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Glista D, Hawkins M, Bohnert A, Rehmann J, Wolfe J, Scollie S. The Effect of Adaptive Nonlinear Frequency Compression on Phoneme Perception. Am J Audiol 2017; 26:531-542. [PMID: 29121162 DOI: 10.1044/2017_aja-17-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study implemented a fitting method, developed for use with frequency lowering hearing aids, across multiple testing sites, participants, and hearing aid conditions to evaluate speech perception with a novel type of frequency lowering. METHOD A total of 8 participants, including children and young adults, participated in real-world hearing aid trials. A blinded crossover design, including posttrial withdrawal testing, was used to assess aided phoneme perception. The hearing aid conditions included adaptive nonlinear frequency compression (NFC), static NFC, and conventional processing. RESULTS Enabling either adaptive NFC or static NFC improved group-level detection and recognition results for some high-frequency phonemes, when compared with conventional processing. Mean results for the distinction component of the Phoneme Perception Test (Schmitt, Winkler, Boretzki, & Holube, 2016) were similar to those obtained with conventional processing. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that both types of NFC tested in this study provided a similar amount of speech perception benefit, when compared with group-level performance with conventional hearing aid technology. Individual-level results are presented with discussion around patterns of results that differ from the group average.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Glista
- Child Amplification Laboratory, National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Marianne Hawkins
- Child Amplification Laboratory, National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Andrea Bohnert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Communication Disorders, University Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Susan Scollie
- Child Amplification Laboratory, National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wolfe J, Duke M, Schafer EC, Rehmann J, Jha S, Allegro Baumann S, John A, Jones C. Preliminary evaluation of a novel non-linear frequency compression scheme for use in children. Int J Audiol 2017; 56:976-988. [PMID: 28851244 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1358467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this study was to evaluate a new form of non-linear frequency compression (NLFC) in children. The new NLFC processing scheme is adaptive and potentially allows for a better preservation of the spectral characteristics of the input sounds when compared to conventional NLFC processing. DESIGN A repeated-measures design was utilised to compare the speech perception of the participants with two configurations of the new adaptive NLFC processing to their performance with the existing NLFC. The outcome measures included the University of Western Ontario Plurals test, the Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant word recognition test, and the Phonak Phoneme Perception test. STUDY SAMPLE Study participants included 14 children, aged 6-17 years, with mild-to-severe low-frequency hearing loss and severe-to-profound high-frequency hearing loss. RESULTS The results indicated that the use of the new adaptive NLFC processing resulted in significantly better average word recognition and plural detection relative to the conventional NLFC processing. CONCLUSION Overall, the adaptive NLFC processing evaluated in this study has the potential to significantly improve speech perception relative to conventional NLFC processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jace Wolfe
- a Hearts for Hearing , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Mila Duke
- a Hearts for Hearing , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Erin C Schafer
- b Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
| | - Julia Rehmann
- c Sonova AG, Science and Technology Department , Stafa , Switzerland
| | - Siddhartha Jha
- c Sonova AG, Science and Technology Department , Stafa , Switzerland
| | | | - Andrew John
- d Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA and
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hotton M. Effectiveness of Frequency-Lowering Hearing Aids and Electric Acoustic Stimulation Cochlear Implant for Treating People with a Severe-To-Profound High-Frequency Hearing Loss. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.15406/joentr.2017.06.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|