Speech recognition with hearing aids for 10 standard audiograms : English version.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of speech perception in quiet is an important goal of hearing aid provision. In practice, results are highly variable. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between type and extent of hearing loss (audiogram type), maximum word recognition score, and aided speech perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pure tone and speech audiometric data of 740 ears in 370 patients were reviewed. All subjects visited our hearing center for hearing aid evaluation between 2012 and 2017. The maximum word recognition score (WRSmax) and the monosyllabic speech recognition score with hearing aids, WRS65(HA) were analyzed for 10 different standard audiogram types. RESULTS: The WRS65(HA) with hearing aids for different degrees of hearing loss is, within error boundaries, comparable to previous investigations and shows a difference of 10-20 percentage points to the WRSmax. This difference tends to be larger for flat and moderately sloping audiograms compared to steep-sloping audiograms. The ratio WRS65(HA)/WRSmax can be interpreted as an efficiency factor for hearing aid provision, since it relates speech recognition with hearing aids to the maximally achievable information carrying capacity of the hearing impaired. CONCLUSION: The expectation regarding hearing aid provision has to be adjusted according to maximum word recognition score, the derived quality measures, degree of hearing loss, and audiogram type.

[Speech recognition with hearing aids for 10 standard audiograms]. / Sprachverstehen mit Hörgeräten für 10 Standardaudiogramme.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of speech perception in quiet is an important goal of hearing aid provision. In practice, results are highly variable. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between type and extent of hearing loss (audiogram type), maximum word recognition score, and aided speech perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pure tone and speech audiometric data of 740 ears in 370 patients were reviewed. All subjects visited our hearing center for hearing aid evaluation between 2012 and 2017. The maximum word recognition score (WRSmax) and the monosyllabic speech recognition score with hearing aids, WRS65(HA) were analyzed for 10 different standard audiogram types. RESULTS: The WRS65(HA) with hearing aids for different degrees of hearing loss is, within error boundaries, comparable to previous investigations and shows a difference of 10-20 percentage points to the WRSmax. This difference tends to be larger for flat and moderately sloping audiograms compared to steep-sloping audiograms. The ratio WRS65(HA)/WRSmax can be interpreted as an efficiency factor for hearing aid provision, since it relates speech recognition with hearing aids to the maximally achievable information carrying capacity of the hearing impaired. CONCLUSION: The expectation regarding hearing aid provision has to be adjusted according to maximum word recognition score, the derived quality measures, degree of hearing loss, and audiogram type.

[Maximum monosyllabic score as a predictor for cochlear implant outcome]. / Das maximale Einsilberverstehen als Prädiktor für das Sprachverstehen mit Cochleaimplantat.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the speech perception of cochlear implant (CI) recipients with measurable preoperative ipsilateral speech perception. These data should support improved individual counselling of CI candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre- and postoperative speech audiometric parameters were analyzed, including maximum score for phonemically balanced words (PBmax) and monosyllabic score at a normal conversational level of 65 dBSPL, with hearing aids one hand and CI on the other. Data of 284 experienced adult CI wearers were grouped and evaluated in terms of preoperative PBmax. RESULTS: The preoperative PBmax was exceeded by the postoperative monosyllabic score in 96% of cases. The overall median postoperative score was 72.5%. The groups with preoperative PBmax > 0% showed significantly better speech perception scores with CI than the group with PBmax = 0 %. Median improvement compared to the preoperative monosyllabic score with hearing aids was 65 percentage points, independent of preoperative PBmax. CONCLUSION: The preoperatively measured PBmax may be used as a predictor for the minimum speech perception obtained with CI. This is of high clinical relevance for CI candidates with a PBmax above zero.

[Subjective improvement of hearing through cochlear implantation]. / Subjektive Hörverbesserung durch Cochleaimplantatversorgung.

BACKGROUND: During the past few decades various questionnaires have been developed to evaluate quality of life using audiological measures. The Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI) was developed especially for patients with a cochlear implant (CI). The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective hearing improvement after CI surgery and to correlate the results with objective measuring methods such as pure-tone and speech audiometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre- and postoperative data of 57 patients who received a cochlear implant (CIs) were retrospectively analyzed. For evaluation of subjective hearing ability the HISQUI questionnaire consisting of 19 questions was used as reference. Pure-tone audiometry and Freiburger monosyllable word tests were used as objective measurements for hearing. RESULTS: The mean HISQUI score increased on average from 53.0 prior to surgery to 69.0 after surgery. In addition, there were significant improvements in all seven subgroups of the questionnaire divisions. A correlation of rSp = 0.53 before surgery and rSp = 0.36 after surgery between the HISQUI scores and Freiburg monosyllable word test was recorded. In addition the 4FPTA (four frequency pure tone average) value correlated negatively with rSp = -0.48 with the HISQUI total score before surgery. CONCLUSION: The moderate correlation of both subjective and objective measurement methods underlines the importance of enquiring the patients' subjective perception and satisfaction. Through the combination of subjective statements and measurements of speech comprehension it is possible to obtain a comprehensive picture of the hearing performance of CI recipients.

[Speech audiometry for indication of conventional and implantable hearing aids]. / Sprachaudiometrie bei der Indikation von Hörhilfen und Hörimplantaten.

The social function of the human hearing apparatus is comprehension of speech. Auditory rehabilitation aims to enhance speech perception in everyday life. Consequently, audiological evaluation contains speech perception measurement. Many speech audiometric methods have been developed in German-speaking countries, which are suitable for quantification of speech perception abilities in quiet and in noise to address specific diagnostic questions. For establishment of the indication for technical hearing systems such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, the Freiburg monosyllabic test has been employed successfully for many years. Particularly sentence tests have been suggested as a complementary measure for hearing aid indication and assessment. This paper describes the characteristics and range of application of various speech audiometric methods, and highlights the methodological limitations of the individual tests.

[Speech perception with hearing aids in comparison to pure-tone hearing loss]. / Sprachverstehen mit Hörgeräten in Abhängigkeit vom Tongehör.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Speech perception is the most important social task of the auditory system. Consequently, speech audiometry is essential to evaluate hearing aid benefit. The aim of the study was to describe the correlation between pure-tone hearing loss and speech perception. In particular, pure-tone audiogram, speech audiogram, and speech perception with hearing aids were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 102 hearing aid users with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were included. Pure-tone loss (PTA) was correlated to monosyllabic perception at 65 dB with hearing aid and with maximum monosyllabic perception with headphones. RESULTS: Speech perception as a function of hearing loss can be represented by a sigmoid function. However, for higher degrees of hearing loss, substantial deviations are observed. Maximum monosyllabic perception with headphones is usually not achieved with hearing aids at standard speech levels of 65 dB. CONCLUSION: For larger groups, average pure-tone hearing loss and speech perception correlate significantly. However, prognosis for individuals is not possible. In particular for higher degrees of hearing loss substantial deviations could be observed. Speech performance with hearing aids cannot be predicted sufficiently from speech audiograms. Above the age of 80, speech perception is significantly worse.