Evaluation of an Articulation-Index Based Model for Predicting the Effects of Adaptive Frequency Response Hearing Aids

1990 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 676-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Fabry ◽  
Dianne J. Van Tasell
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Function ◽  
Frequency Response ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Articulation Index ◽  
Intelligibility Ratings ◽  
High Pass

The Articulation Index (AI) was used to evaluate an “adaptive frequency response” (AFR) hearing aid with amplification characteristics that automatically change to become more high-pass with increasing levels of background noise. Speech intelligibility ratings of connected discourse by normal-hearing subjects were predicted well by an empirically derived AI transfer function. That transfer function was used to predict aided speech intelligibility ratings by 12 hearing-impaired subjects wearing a master hearing aid with the Argosy Manhattan Circuit enabled (AFR-on) or disabled (AFR-off). For all subjects, the AI predicted no improvements in speech intelligibility for the AFR-on versus AFR-off condition, and no significant improvements in rated intelligibility were observed. The ability of the AI to predict aided speech intelligibility varied across subjects. However, ratings from every hearing-impaired subject were related monotonically to AI. Therefore, AI calculations may be used to predict relative—but not absolute—levels of speech intelligibility produced under different amplification conditions.

Evaluation of the Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) Test for Hearing Aid Comparisons

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 686-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Michael McDaniel ◽  
Robyn M. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
Connected Speech ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Intelligibility Ratings ◽  
Maximum Reliability ◽  
Test Result

The SIR test was created for use in hearing aid comparisons. The test protocol obtains listener judgments of the intelligibility of connected speech passages. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the SIR test in differentiating among hearing aids Specific research questions were (a) Is the sensitivity of the SIR test sufficient for differentiating among very similar and slightly dissimilar hearing aids? (b) Does the SIR test result In reliable heanng aid rankings? and (c) What are the effects of using shortened connected speech passages? Ten listeners with hearing impairments rated the intelligibility of both full-length and shortened SIR test passages while wearing each of four individually selected hearing aids representing three different frequency/gain prescriptions. Results suggested that the SIR test is capable of differentiating among slightly dissimilar hearing aids and that hearing aid rankings resulting from speech Intelligibility ratings were reliable. The decision to use full-length or shortened SIR test passages depends on the outcome the user wishes to maximize Under the conditions used n this study, maximum sensitivity was achieved with ratings from five shortened passages, whereas maximum reliability was obtained with three full-length passages.

Low-Frequency Response of Hearing Aids and Judgments of Aided Speech Quality

1980 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry L. Punch ◽  
Edwin L. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Response ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Paired Comparison ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Cutoff Frequency ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Connected Discourse ◽  
Experimental Trials

Connected discourse was processed by a master hearing aid via two channels that were independently adjusted to seven discrete settings of low-cutoff frequency. Signals were tape-recorded and played back in a paired-comparison format to 12 listeners with gradually sloping sensorineural hearing loss, who selected the speech channel preferred for its sound quality. Four experimental trials were administered, each of which consisted of 21 randomized paired conditions. Results across the four trials revealed high intersubject and intrasubject response agreement. Listeners indicated strong and systematic preferences for speech reproduced by circuitry having progressively extended low-frequency emphasis. Findings confirm earlier experimental observations that hearing-impaired listeners are capable of making repeatable paired-comparison preference judgments of the quality of hearing-aid processed speech. Additionally, results demonstrate definitively that low-cutoff frequency is sufficiently robust to be regarded as the probable source of a potent perceptual basis for such judgments. The clinical implication is that hearing-impaired listeners can be expected to exhibit strong preferences for the quality of speech reproduced by hearing aids having relatively extended low-frequency response.

scholarly journals Improving Speech Understanding and Monitoring Health with Hearing Aids Using Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Sensors

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 295-308
Author(s):  
David A. Fabry ◽  
Achintya K. Bhowmik
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Speech Understanding

AbstractThis article details ways that machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies are being integrated in modern hearing aids to improve speech understanding in background noise and provide a gateway to overall health and wellness. Discussion focuses on how Starkey incorporates automatic and user-driven optimization of speech intelligibility with onboard hearing aid signal processing and machine learning algorithms, smartphone-based deep neural network processing, and wireless hearing aid accessories. The article will conclude with a review of health and wellness tracking capabilities that are enabled by embedded sensors and artificial intelligence.

Performance of Individual Hearing Aids Utilizing Microphone and Induction Coil Input

1971 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Sung ◽  
William R. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Response ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Harmonic Distortion ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Induction Coil ◽  
Body Type ◽  
High Frequency Response ◽  
Physical Measurements

Physical measurements of gain, maximum power output, frequency response, and harmonic distortion were made on each of two body-type hearing aids on both the microphone and induction coil settings. In addition, we investigated speech intelligibility through each aid, for both acoustic and magnetic input, using 32 normal-hearing subjects. Our findings indicated that different hearing aids provide different sensitivity for loop induction. For a given hearing aid, physical characteristics varied between the microphone and the telephone coil settings. The intelligibility of speech produced by a given mode of signal input, either microphone or telephone coil, was dependent on physical characteristics of the hearing aid. The usable high-frequency response and the configuration of the response curve in the region of 1500 to 3000 Hz appeared to be associated with the intelligibility of monosyllabic words.

Development of the Speech Intelligibility Rating (Sir) Test for Hearing Aid Comparisons

1989 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn M. Cox ◽  
D. Michael McDaniel
Keyword(s):  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Interval Scale ◽  
Connected Speech ◽  
Critical Difference ◽  
Future Paper ◽  
Test Materials ◽  
Intelligibility Ratings

The Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) Test has been developed for use in clinical comparisons of hearing aid conditions. After listening to a short passage of connected speech, subjects generate a rating proportional to its intelligibility using an equal-appearing interval scale from 0 to 10. Before test passages are presented, the signal-to-babble ratio (SBR) is adjusted to a level that elicits intelligibility ratings of 7-8 for a "setup" passage. Then, with SBR held constant, three or more test passages are rated and the results averaged for each aided condition. This paper describes the generation of recorded test materials and their investigation using normally hearing listeners. Based on these data, a critical difference of about 2 scale intervals is recommended. A future paper will deal with results for hearing-impaired subjects.

Effects of Different Frequency Response Strategies Upon Recognition and Preference for Audible Speech Stimuli

1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 1185-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy R. Horwitz ◽  
Christopher W. Turner ◽  
David A. Fabry
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Frequency Response ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Processing Condition ◽  
Processing Conditions ◽  
Speech Stimuli ◽  
High Pass ◽  
Input Level

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the amount of low. versus high-frequency amplification should change as a function of input level, as is done in some recently developed hearing aids. Adults with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss served as subjects. Both identification performance and preference judgments for audible CV syllables were assessed as a function of input level for three different signal processing conditions both in quiet and in noise. The first signal processing condition was a conventional high-pass frequency response that did not change its transfer function as the input level increased; the second condition was similar to a typical adaptive frequency response (AFR) hearing aid: a high-pass frequency response that became increasingly high-pass as the input level increased; the third condition was similar to the K-Amp hearing aid recommended by Killion (1988): a high-pass frequency response that became more broadband as the input level increased. Results indicated no significant differences among the three different processing conditions for syllable recognition and a strong listener preference for the syllables presented via the conventional amplification scheme.

Use of a Mild-Gain Hearing Aid by Middle-Age Normal-Hearing Adults Who Do and Do Not Self-Report Trouble Hearing in Background Noise

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-428
Author(s):  
Jasleen Singh ◽  
Karen A. Doherty
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Hearing Handicap ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hearing Problems

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess how the use of a mild-gain hearing aid can affect hearing handicap, motivation, and attitudes toward hearing aids for middle-age, normal-hearing adults who do and do not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Method A total of 20 participants (45–60 years of age) with clinically normal-hearing thresholds (< 25 dB HL) were enrolled in this study. Ten self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise, and 10 did not self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. All participants were fit with mild-gain hearing aids, bilaterally, and were asked to wear them for 2 weeks. Hearing handicap, attitudes toward hearing aids and hearing loss, and motivation to address hearing problems were evaluated before and after participants wore the hearing aids. Participants were also asked if they would consider purchasing a hearing aid before and after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Results After wearing the hearing aids for 2 weeks, hearing handicap scores decreased for the participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise. No changes in hearing handicap scores were observed for the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. The participants who self-reported difficulty hearing in background noise also reported greater personal distress from their hearing problems, were more motivated to address their hearing problems, and had higher levels of hearing handicap compared to the participants who did not self-report trouble hearing in background noise. Only 20% (2/10) of the participants who self-reported trouble hearing in background noise reported that they would consider purchasing a hearing aid after 2 weeks of hearing aid use. Conclusions The use of mild-gain hearing aids has the potential to reduce hearing handicap for normal-hearing, middle-age adults who self-report difficulty hearing in background noise. However, this may not be the most appropriate treatment option for their current hearing problems given that only 20% of these participants would consider purchasing a hearing aid after wearing hearing aids for 2 weeks.

Comparison of In-the-Ear and Over-the-Ear Hearing Aid Fittings

1986 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M. Risberg ◽  
Robyn M. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Hearing Aid Fitting ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Functional Gain ◽  
The Relationship

A custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid fitting was compared to two over-the-ear (OTE) hearing aid fittings for each of 9 subjects with mild to moderately severe hearing losses. Speech intelligibility via the three instruments was compared using the Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) test. The relationship between functional gain and coupler gain was compared for the ITE and the higher rated OTE instruments. The difference in input received at the microphone locations of the two types of hearing aids was measured for 10 different subjects and compared to the functional gain data. It was concluded that (a) for persons with mild to moderately severe hearing losses, appropriately adjusted custom ITE fittings typically yield speech intelligibility that is equal to the better OTE fitting identified in a comparative evaluation; and (b) gain prescriptions for ITE hearing aids should be adjusted to account for the high-frequency emphasis associated with in-the-concha microphone placement.

Hearing Aid Design and Evaluation for a Patient with a Severe Discrimination Loss for Speech

1967 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Miller ◽  
Arthur F. Niemoeller
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Single Patient

Results of intelligibility tests on a single patient with a severe discrimination loss for speech are reported. The patient was tested with four different hearing aids and with no aid, and the effects of opportunity for lipreading, background noise, and reverberation were evaluated. The tests appear to allow an accurate estimate of the amount of help to be expected in various situations and show that an aid with good fidelity is clearly superior to the others tested. The destructive effects of background noise and reverberation are demonstrated separately and in combination.

Performance Improvement of Digital Hearing Aid Systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Isiaka Ajewale Alimi
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Digital Signal Processor ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Spectral Subtraction ◽  
Residual Spectrum ◽  
Digital Hearing Aids ◽  
Digital Hearing Aid

Digital hearing aids addresses the issues of noise and speech intelligibility that is associated with the analogue types. One of the main functions of the digital signal processor (DSP) of digital hearing aid systems is noise reduction which can be achieved by speech enhancement algorithms which in turn improve system performance and flexibility. However, studies have shown that the quality of experience (QoE) with some of the current hearing aids is not up to expectation in a noisy environment due to interfering sound, background noise and reverberation. It is also suggested that noise reduction features of the DSP can be further improved accordingly. Recently, we proposed an adaptive spectral subtraction algorithm to enhance the performance of communication systems and address the issue of associated musical noise generated by the conventional spectral subtraction algorithm. The effectiveness of the algorithm has been confirmed by different objective and subjective evaluations. In this study, an adaptive spectral subtraction algorithm is implemented using the noise-estimation algorithm for highly non-stationary noisy environments instead of the voice activity detection (VAD) employed in our previous work due to its effectiveness. Also, signal to residual spectrum ratio (SR) is implemented in order to control the amplification distortion for speech intelligibility improvement. The results show that the proposed scheme gives comparatively better performance and can be easily employed in digital hearing aid system for improving speech quality and intelligibility.

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