scholarly journals Monaural and Binaural Free‐Field Speech Reception through Ear‐Level Hearing Aids under Noise and Reverberation

1973 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 329-329
Author(s):  
Anna K. Nábělek ◽  
J. M. Pickett
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Speech Reception

Underlying Structure of Auditory-Visual Consonant Perception by Hearing-Impaired Children and the Influences of Syllabic Compression

1988 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Busby ◽  
Y. C. Tong ◽  
G. M. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Acoustic Parameter ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Visual Signal ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Choice Procedure ◽  
Release Times ◽  
Impaired Children ◽  
Hearing Impaired Children

The identification of consonants in a/-C-/a/nonsense syllables, using a fourteen-alternative forced-choice procedure, was examined in 4 profoundly hearing-impaired children under five conditions: audition alone using hearing aids in free-field (A),vision alone (V), auditory-visual using hearing aids in free-field (AV1), auditory-visual with linear amplification (AV2), and auditory-visual with syllabic compression (AV3). In the AV2 and AV3 conditions, acoustic signals were binaurally presented by magnetic or acoustic coupling to the subjects' hearing aids. The syllabic compressor had a compression ratio of 10:1, and attack and release times were 1.2 ms and 60 ms. The confusion matrices were subjected to two analysis methods: hierarchical clustering and information transmission analysis using articulatory features. The same general conclusions were drawn on the basis of results obtained from either analysis method. The results indicated better performance in the V condition than in the A condition. In the three AV conditions, the subjects predominately combined the acoustic parameter of voicing with the visual signal. No consistent differences were recorded across the three AV conditions. Syllabic compression did not, therefore, appear to have a significant influence on AV perception for these children. A high degree of subject variability was recorded for the A and three AV conditions, but not for the V condition.

scholarly journals Speech Perception and Sound-Quality Rating with an Adaptive Nonlinear Frequency Compression Algorithm in Mandarin-Speaking Hearing Aid Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (08) ◽  
pp. 590-598
Author(s):  
Li Xu ◽  
Solveig C. Voss ◽  
Jing Yang ◽  
Xianhui Wang ◽  
Qian Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Nonlinear Frequency ◽  
Frequency Compression ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Phoneme Detection

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.

scholarly journals Hearing Rehabilitation through Bone-Conducted Sound Stimulation: Preliminary Results

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 012-017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayez Bahmad Jr ◽  
Carolina Cardoso ◽  
Fernanda Caldas ◽  
Monique Barreto ◽  
Anacléia Hilgenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissue ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Skin Impedance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Introduction The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a bone conduction system that transmits the sound directly to the inner ear by surpassing the skin impedance and the subcutaneous tissue. It is indicated for patients with mixed, conductive and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss who did not benefit from conventional hearing aids (HAs). Although the benefits from BAHA are well demonstrated internationally, this field still lacks studies in Brazil. Objective To assess the auditory rehabilitation process in BAHA users through audiological, speech perception and tinnitus aspects. Methods Individuals with hearing loss were assessed before and after the implantation. The participants were subjected to pure tone audiometry in free field, functional gain audiometry, speech perception tests, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) in open format, and to the visual analog scale (VAS). Results It was found that the participants benefited from the use of BAHA. The difference in the performance of the participants before and after the BAHA surgery was significant in terms of hearing acuity. There was no statistically significant difference in the speech perception tests. The tinnitus assessment showed that 80% of the participants scored slight tinnitus severity in THI after using a BAHA. Eighty percent of the participants classified their tinnitus as absent to mild in the VAS after the surgery. Conclusion Based on the results of the current study, we can conclude that the participants improved both the auditory perception and the tinnitus handicap.

scholarly journals Auditory Attention and Spatial Unmasking in Children With Cochlear Implants

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 233121652094698
Author(s):  
Sara M. Misurelli ◽  
Matthew J. Goupell ◽  
Emily A. Burg ◽  
Rachael Jocewicz ◽  
Alan Kan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Auditory Attention ◽  
Noisy Environments ◽  
Speech Stimuli ◽  
Bilateral Cochlear Implants ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Spatial Unmasking ◽  
Speech Reception Thresholds ◽  
Hearing Children

The ability to attend to target speech in background noise is an important skill, particularly for children who spend many hours in noisy environments. Intelligibility improves as a result of spatial or binaural unmasking in the free-field for normal-hearing children; however, children who use bilateral cochlear implants (BiCIs) demonstrate little benefit in similar situations. It was hypothesized that poor auditory attention abilities might explain the lack of unmasking observed in children with BiCIs. Target and interferer speech stimuli were presented to either or both ears of BiCI participants via their clinical processors. Speech reception thresholds remained low when the target and interferer were in opposite ears, but they did not show binaural unmasking when the interferer was presented to both ears and the target only to one ear. These results demonstrate that, in the most extreme cases of stimulus separation, children with BiCIs can ignore an interferer and attend to target speech, but there is weak or absent binaural unmasking. It appears that children with BiCIs mostly experience poor encoding of binaural cues rather than deficits in ability to selectively attend to target speech.

Transcranial Contralateral Cochlear Stimulation in Unilateral Deafness

2003 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack J. Wazen ◽  
Jaclyn B. Spitzer ◽  
Soha N. Ghossaini ◽  
José N. Fayad ◽  
John K. Niparko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Auditory Stimuli ◽  
Unilateral Deafness ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Speech Reception Thresholds ◽  
Single Sided Deafness

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Bone Anchored Cochlear Stimulator (BAHA) in transcranial routing of signal by implanting the deaf ear. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Eighteen patients with unilateral deafness were included in a multisite study. They had a 1-month pre-implantation trial with a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aid. Their performance with BAHA was compared with the CROS device using speech reception thresholds, speech recognition performance in noise, and the Abbreviated Profile Hearing Benefit and Single Sided Deafness questionnaires. RESULTS: Patients reported a significant improvement in speech intelligibility in noise and greater benefit from BAHA compared with CROS hearing aids. Patients were satisfied with the device and its impact on their quality of life. No major complications were reported. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: BAHA is effective in unilateral deafness. Auditory stimuli from the deaf side can be transmitted to the good ear, avoiding the limitations inherent in CROS amplification.

Effects of Expansion Algorithms on Speech Reception Thresholds

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (02) ◽  
pp. 147-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christi L. Wise ◽  
Justin A. Zakis
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Multiple Channel ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Average Spectrum ◽  
Channel Expansion ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Speech Reception Thresholds ◽  
The Impact

Expansion is commonly used to reduce microphone noise and low-level environmental noises that can be annoying to hearing aid users. It may also improve or reduce the perception of low-level speech. This study assessed the impact of two expansion algorithms, single and multiple channel, on speech reception thresholds (SRT) with 10 hearing impaired listeners wearing hearing aids with ADRO® processing. The single-channel algorithm suppressed sounds below 45 dB A, while the multiple-channel algorithm suppressed sounds below the long-term average spectrum of speech at either 55 or 45 dB SPL. The mean HINT SRTs in quiet were 39.4, 40.7, 40.6, and 41.8 dB A without expansion, with single-channel expansion, and with multiple-channel expansion at expansion thresholds of 45 and 55 dB SPL, respectively. The difference in mean SRT was only statistically significant between no expansion and multiple-channel expansion at a 55 dB SPL threshold. A regression analysis between the change in individual SRT for each expansion condition and pure tone average hearing loss showed no correlation. Our calculations indicate that only those with exceptionally good hearing will find microphone noise audible. The current practice of prescribing expansion algorithms based on hearing thresholds alone is questioned, and other rationales are discussed. La expansión se utiliza comúnmente para reducir el ruido de los micrófonos y los ruidos ambientales de bajo nivel que pueden ser perturbadores para los usuarios de auxiliares auditivos. También puede mejorar o reducir la percepción de lenguaje a bajo voumen. Este estudio evaluó el impacto de dos algoritmos de expansión, de canal múltiple y el canal único, sobre los umbrales de recepción del lenguaje (SRT) con 10 sujetos hipoacúsicos utilizando auxiliares auditivos con procesamiento ADRO®. El algoritmo de canal único suprimió sonidos por debajo de 45 dB A, mientras que el algoritmo de canal múltiple suprimió sonidos por debajo del espectro promedio a largo plazo del lenguaje, a 55 ó 45 dB SPL, respectivamente. La diferencia en el SRT medio fue sólo estadísticamente significativa entre la no expansión y la expansión de canal múltiple a un umbral de 55 dB SPL. Un análisis de regresión no mostró correlación entre el cambio en los SRT individuales para cada condición de expansión y la pérdida auditiva promedio para tonos puros. Nuestros cálculos indican que solamente aquellos con una audición excepcionalmente buena encontrarán audible el ruido del micrófono. Se cuestiona la práctica actual de prescribir algoritmos de expansión con base sólo en umbrales auditivos, y se discuten otros razonamientos.

scholarly journals Development of Sound Field Audiometry System for Small Audiometric Booths and Comparison of Its Equivalence With Traditional System

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
Eun Kyung Jung ◽  
Young Mi Choi ◽  
Eun Jung Kim ◽  
Sungsu Lee ◽  
Hyong-Ho Cho
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Speech Discrimination ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Hearing Results ◽  
Traditional System ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Head Height

Objectives. Sound field (SF) audiometry tests are usually conducted in audiometric booths measuring greater than 2×2 m in size. However, most private ENT clinics carry about 1×1-m-sized audiometric booths, making SF audiometry testing difficult to perform. The aims of this study were to develop an SF audiometry system for use in smaller audiometric booths and compare its performance with traditional system.Methods. The newly developed SF audiometry system can yield an SF signal at a distance of about 30 cm from the subject’s ears. Its height can be adjusted according to the subject’s head height. We compared SF hearing results between the new SF system and the traditional SF audiometry system in 20 adults with normal hearing (40 ears) and 24 adults with impaired hearing levels (38 ears) who wore hearing aids. Comparative parameters included warble tone audiometry threshold, a speech reception threshold (SRT), and a speech discrimination score (SDS). For statistical analysis, paired t-test was used. The equivalence of both SF systems was tested using two one-sided test (TOST) with a margin of 5 dB (normal hearing participants) and 10 dB (hearing aids wearing participants).Results. Among participants with normal hearing, warble tone hearing thresholds of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, average values of these four frequencies, and SRT were similar between the two systems (all <i>P</i>>0.05). Participants with hearing aids showed similar warble tone threshold and SRT (<i>P</i>>0.05) in both systems except for threshold of 4 kHz (<i>P</i>=0.033). SDS was significantly higher in the newly developed system (<i>P</i><0.05). TOST results showed equivalent SF audiometry results using either system.Conclusion. Audiometric results of the newly developed SF audiometry system were equivalent to those of a traditional system. Therefore, the small SF audiometry system can be used at small audiometric booths present in most private ENT clinics.

scholarly journals The Bonebridge BCI 602 Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant in Children: Objective and Subjective Benefits

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5916
Author(s):  
Katarzyna B. Cywka ◽  
Henryk Skarżyński ◽  
Bartłomiej Król ◽  
Piotr H. Skarżyński
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Word Recognition ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Mixed Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Reception ◽  
Bone Conduction Implant

Background: the Bonebridge hearing implant is an active transcutaneous bone conduction implant suitable for various types of hearing loss. It was first launched in 2012 as the BCI 601, with a newer internal part (BCI 602) released in 2019. With the new size and shape, the BCI 602 can be used in patients previously excluded due to insufficient anatomical conditions, especially in patients with congenital defects of the outer and middle ear. Objectives: the purpose of this study is to evaluate the objective and subjective benefits of the new Bonebridge BCI 602 in children who have hearing impairment due to conductive or mixed hearing loss. Safety and effectiveness of the device was assessed. Methods: the study group included 22 children aged 8–18 years (mean age 14.7 years) who had either conductive or mixed hearing loss. All patients were implanted unilaterally with the new Bonebridge BCI 602 implant. Pure tone audiometry, speech recognition tests (in quiet and noise), and free-field audiometry were performed before and after implantation. Word recognition scores were evaluated using the Demenko and Pruszewicz Polish Monosyllabic Word Test, and speech reception thresholds in noise were assessed using the Polish Sentence Matrix Test. The subjective assessment of benefits was carried outusing the APHAB (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit) questionnaire. Results: after implantation of the Bonebridge BCI 602 all patients showed a statistically significant improvement in hearing and speech understanding. The mean word recognition score (WRS) changed from 12.1% before implantation to 87.3% after 6 months. Mean speech reception threshold (SRT) before implantation was +4.79 dB SNR and improved to −1.29 dB SNR after 6 months. All patients showed stable postoperative results. The APHAB questionnaire showed that difficulties in hearing decreased after implantation, with a statistically significant improvement in global score. Pre-operative scores (M = 35.7) were significantly worse than post-operative scores at 6 months (M = 25.7). Conclusions: the present study confirms that the Bonebridge BCI 602 is an innovative and effective solution, especially for patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss due to anatomical ear defects. The Bonebridge BCI 602 system provides valuable and stable audiological and surgical benefits. Subjective assessment also confirms the effectiveness of the BCI 602. The BCI 602 offers the same amplification as the BCI601, but with a smaller size. The smaller dimensions make it an effective treatment option for a wider group of patients, especially children with congenital defects of the outer and middle ear.

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