ABSTRACT
Differences in performance were evaluated between the Widex SENSO and several analog hearing aids currently worn by 50 hearing-impaired subjects. Subjects were initially fit with the SENSO using the manufacturer's recommended procedure. After wearing the hearing aids for 1 week, the adjustable parameters were fine-tuned based on subjective comments. Differences in performance between the SENSO and the subjects' current hearing aids were assessed using the Speech Perception in Noise administered at overall levels of 50, 65, and 80 dB SPL; the Hearing in Noise Test in which the background noise was presented at 50, 65, and 80 dBA; the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit; and two questionnaires relating to overall preference between the SENSO and the subjects' current hearing aids.
Subject(s)
Correction of Hearing Impairment , Hearing Aids , Hearing Disorders/diagnosis , Adult , Consumer Behavior , Humans , Noise/adverse effects , Prosthesis Fitting , Speech Perception/physiology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Probably one of the greatest problems in hearing aid fitting is to try to adapt hearing amplification to the recruiting ear. Sound is not loud enough, and then it is too loud. Microchips have permitted hearing aids to be smaller and smaller. However, they still remain either linear output- or input-compression types. Log-linear amplification permits the "smart aid" to automatically decrease the gain as the input power of speech or noise increases. This together with a patented low-frequency signal processor permits maximum discrimination with minimal violation of the patient's threshold of discomfort. This is a considerable step in ameliorating the major problem of the recruiting ear.
