Evaluation of Loudspeaker-Based Virtual Sound Environments for Testing Directional Hearing Aids

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (07) ◽  
pp. 541-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Oreinos ◽  
Jörg M. Buchholz
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Microphone Array ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Real Environment ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Intelligibility Test ◽  
Acoustic Environments

Background: Assessments of hearing aid (HA) benefits in the laboratory often do not accurately reflect real-life experience. This may be improved by employing loudspeaker-based virtual sound environments (VSEs) that provide more realistic acoustic scenarios. It is unclear how far the limited accuracy of these VSEs influences measures of subjective performance. Purpose: Verify two common methods for creating VSEs that are to be used for assessing HA outcomes. Research Design: A cocktail-party scene was created inside a meeting room and then reproduced with a 41-channel loudspeaker array inside an anechoic chamber. The reproduced scenes were created either by using room acoustic modeling techniques or microphone array recordings. Study Sample: Participants were 18 listeners with a symmetrical, sloping, mild-to-moderate hearing loss, aged between 66 and 78 yr (mean = 73.8 yr). Data Collection and Analysis: The accuracy of the two VSEs was assessed by comparing the subjective performance measured with two-directional HA algorithms inside all three acoustic environments. The performance was evaluated by using a speech intelligibility test and an acceptable noise level task. Results: The general behavior of the subjective performance seen in the real environment was preserved in the two VSEs for both directional HA algorithms. However, the estimated directional benefits were slightly reduced in the model-based VSE, and further reduced in the recording-based VSE. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the considered VSEs can be used for testing directional HAs, but the provided sensitivity is reduced when compared to a real environment. This can result in an underestimation of the provided directional benefit. However, this minor limitation may be easily outweighed by the high realism of the acoustic scenes that these VSEs can generate, which may result in HA outcome measures with a significantly higher ecological relevance than provided by measures commonly performed in the laboratory or clinic.

scholarly journals fNIRS Assessment of Speech Comprehension in Children with Normal Hearing and Children with Hearing Aids in Virtual Acoustic Environments: Pilot Data and Practical Recommendations

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
Laura Bell ◽  
Z. Ellen Peng ◽  
Florian Pausch ◽  
Vanessa Reindl ◽  
Christiane Neuschaefer-Rube ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Speech Comprehension ◽  
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Pilot Data ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
Acoustic Environments

The integration of virtual acoustic environments (VAEs) with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers novel avenues to investigate behavioral and neural processes of speech-in-noise (SIN) comprehension in complex auditory scenes. Particularly in children with hearing aids (HAs), the combined application might offer new insights into the neural mechanism of SIN perception in simulated real-life acoustic scenarios. Here, we present first pilot data from six children with normal hearing (NH) and three children with bilateral HAs to explore the potential applicability of this novel approach. Children with NH received a speech recognition benefit from low room reverberation and target-distractors’ spatial separation, particularly when the pitch of the target and the distractors was similar. On the neural level, the left inferior frontal gyrus appeared to support SIN comprehension during effortful listening. Children with HAs showed decreased SIN perception across conditions. The VAE-fNIRS approach is critically compared to traditional SIN assessments. Although the current study shows that feasibility still needs to be improved, the combined application potentially offers a promising tool to investigate novel research questions in simulated real-life listening. Future modified VAE-fNIRS applications are warranted to replicate the current findings and to validate its application in research and clinical settings.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Hearing Aid Manufacturers' Software-Derived Fittings to DSL v5.0 Pediatric Targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (05) ◽  
pp. 354-362
Author(s):  
Paula Folkeard ◽  
Marlene Bagatto ◽  
Susan Scollie
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Programming Software ◽  
Test Level

Abstract Background Hearing aid prescriptive methods are a commonly recommended component of evidence-based preferred practice guidelines and are often implemented in the hearing aid programming software. Previous studies evaluating hearing aid manufacturers' software-derived fittings to prescriptions have shown significant deviations from targets. However, few such studies examined the accuracy of software-derived fittings for the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) v5.0 prescription. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of software-derived fittings to the DSL v5.0 prescription, across a range of hearing aid brands, audiograms, and test levels. Research Design This study is a prospective chart review with simulated cases. Data Collection and Analysis A set of software-derived fittings were created for a six-month-old test case, across audiograms ranging from mild to profound. The aided output from each fitting was verified in the test box at 55-, 65-, 75-, and 90-dB SPL, and compared with DSL v5.0 child targets. The deviations from target across frequencies 250-6000 Hz were calculated, together with the root-mean-square error (RMSE) from target. The aided Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) values generated for the speech passages at 55- and 65-dB SPL were compared with published norms. Study Sample Thirteen behind-the-ear style hearing aids from eight manufacturers were tested. Results The amount of deviation per frequency was dependent on the test level and degree of hearing loss. Most software-derived fittings for mild-to-moderately severe hearing losses fell within ± 5 dB of the target for most frequencies. RMSE results revealed more than 84% of those hearing aid fittings for the mild-to-moderate hearing losses were within 5 dB at all test levels. Fittings for severe to profound hearing losses had the greatest deviation from target and RMSE. Aided SII values for the mild-to-moderate audiograms fell within the normative range for DSL pediatric fittings, although they fell within the lower portion of the distribution. For more severe losses, SII values for some hearing aids fell below the normative range. Conclusions In this study, use of the software-derived manufacturers' fittings based on the DSL v5.0 pediatric targets set most hearing aids within a clinically acceptable range around the prescribed target, particularly for mild-to-moderate hearing losses. However, it is likely that clinician adjustment based on verification of hearing aid output would be required to optimize the fit to target, maximize aided SII, and ensure appropriate audibility across all degrees of hearing loss.

Spatial Acoustic Scenarios in Multichannel Loudspeaker Systems for Hearing Aid Evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (07) ◽  
pp. 557-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giso Grimm ◽  
Birger Kollmeier ◽  
Volker Hohmann
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Speech Quality ◽  
Reference Condition ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Acoustic Environments

Background: Field tests and guided walks in real environments show that the benefit from hearing aid (HA) signal processing in real-life situations is typically lower than the predicted benefit found in laboratory studies. This suggests that laboratory test outcome measures are poor predictors of real-life HA benefits. However, a systematic evaluation of algorithms in the field is difficult due to the lack of reproducibility and control of the test conditions. Virtual acoustic environments that simulate real-life situations may allow for a systematic and reproducible evaluation of HAs under more realistic conditions, thus providing a better estimate of real-life benefit than established laboratory tests. Purpose: To quantify the difference in HA performance between a laboratory condition and more realistic conditions based on technical performance measures using virtual acoustic environments, and to identify the factors affecting HA performance across the tested environments. Research Design: A set of typical HA beamformer algorithms was evaluated in virtual acoustic environments of different complexity. Performance was assessed based on established technical performance measures, including perceptual model predictions of speech quality and speech intelligibility. Virtual acoustic environments ranged from a simple static reference condition to more realistic complex scenes with dynamically moving sound objects. Results: HA benefit, as predicted by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and speech intelligibility measures, differs between the reference condition and more realistic conditions for the tested beamformer algorithms. Other performance measures, such as speech quality or binaural degree of diffusiveness, do not show pronounced differences. However, a decreased speech quality was found in specific conditions. A correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between room acoustic parameters of the sound field and HA performance. The SNR improvement in the reference condition was found to be a poor predictor of HA performance in terms of speech intelligibility improvement in the more realistic conditions. Conclusions: Using several virtual acoustic environments of different complexity, a systematic difference in HA performance between a simple reference condition and more realistic environments was found, which may be related to the discrepancy between laboratory and real-life HA performance reported previously.

Effect of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Directional Microphone Benefit and Preference

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (09) ◽  
pp. 662-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian E. Walden ◽  
Rauna K. Surr ◽  
Kenneth W. Grant ◽  
W. Van Summers ◽  
Mary T. Cord ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Directional Hearing Aids

This study examined speech intelligibility and preferences for omnidirectional and directional microphone hearing aid processing across a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A primary motivation for the study was to determine whether SNR might be used to represent distance between talker and listener in automatic directionality algorithms based on scene analysis. Participants were current hearing aid users who either had experience with omnidirectional microphone hearing aids only or with manually switchable omnidirectional/directional hearing aids. Using IEEE/Harvard sentences from a front loudspeaker and speech-shaped noise from three loudspeakers located behind and to the sides of the listener, the directional advantage (DA) was obtained at 11 SNRs ranging from -15 dB to +15 dB in 3 dB steps. Preferences for the two microphone modes at each of the 11 SNRs were also obtained using concatenated IEEE sentences presented in the speech-shaped noise. Results revealed that a DA was observed across a broad range of SNRs, although directional processing provided the greatest benefit within a narrower range of SNRs. Mean data suggested that microphone preferences were determined largely by the DA, such that the greater the benefit to speech intelligibility provided by the directional microphones, the more likely the listeners were to prefer that processing mode. However, inspection of the individual data revealed that highly predictive relationships did not exist for most individual participants. Few preferences for omnidirectional processing were observed. Overall, the results did not support the use of SNR to estimate the effects of distance between talker and listener in automatic directionality algorithms.

Improving Speech Intelligibility in Background Noise with an Adaptive Directional Microphone

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (07) ◽  
pp. 519-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Blamey ◽  
Hayley J. Fiket ◽  
Brenton R. Steele
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Noise Test ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Omnidirectional, supercardioid, and adaptive directional microphones (ADM) were evaluated in combination with the ADRO® amplification scheme for eight participants with moderate sloping hearing losses. The ADM produced better speech perception scores than the other two microphones in all noise conditions. Participants performed the Hearing in Noise Test sentences at -4.5 dB SNR or better, which is similar to the level achievable with normal hearing. The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale indicated no disadvantages of using the ADM relative to the omnidirectional microphone in real-life situations. The ADM was preferred over the omnidirectional microphone in 54% of situations, compared to 17% preferences for the omnidirectional microphone, and 29% no preference. The combination of the ADM to improve SNR, and ADRO® to keep the signal output comfortable and audible provided near-normal hearing performance for people with moderate hearing loss. The ADM is the recommended microphone configuration for ADRO hearing aids.

Comparison of Some Speech Intelligibility Tests in the Evaluation of Hearing Aid Performance

1966 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Jerger ◽  
Carolyn Malmquist ◽  
Charles Speaks
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Harmonic Distortion ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Monosyllabic Word ◽  
Word Test ◽  
Intelligibility Test ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility

A sentence intelligibility test and three monosyllabic word intelligibility tests, recorded through three hearing aids, were presented to 36 subjects with diverse types of hearing loss. Although hearing aids were rank ordered meaningfully on the sentence intelligibility test-in inverse proportion to the harmonic distortion-performance differences were not systematically reflected in the monosyllabic word test results.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Hearing Aid Manufacturers’ Software- Derived Fittings to DSL v5.0 Pediatric Targets

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Folkeard ◽  
Marlene Bagatto ◽  
Susan Scollie
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Sensation Level ◽  
Acceptable Range ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Test Level

Background: Hearing aid prescriptive methods are a commonly recommended component of evidencebasedpreferred practice guidelines and are often implemented in the hearing aid programming software.Previous studies evaluating hearing aid manufacturers’ software-derived fittings to prescriptionshave shown significant deviations from targets. However, few such studies examined the accuracy ofsoftware-derived fittings for the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) v5.0 prescription.<br />Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of software-derived fittings to the DSLv5.0 prescription, across a range of hearing aid brands, audiograms, and test levels.<br />Research Design: This study is a prospective chart review with simulated cases.<br />Data Collection and Analysis: A set of software-derived fittings were created for a six-month-old testcase, across audiograms ranging from mild to profound. The aided output from each fitting was verified inthe test box at 55-, 65-, 75-, and 90-dB SPL, and compared with DSL v5.0 child targets. The deviationsfrom target across frequencies 250–6000 Hz were calculated, together with the root-mean-square error(RMSE) from target. The aided Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) values generated for the speech passagesat 55- and 65-dB SPL were compared with published norms.<br />Study Sample: Thirteen behind-the-ear style hearing aids from eight manufacturers were tested.<br />Results: The amount of deviation per frequency was dependent on the test level and degree of hearingloss. Most software-derived fittings for mild-to-moderately severe hearing losses fell within ±5 dB of thetarget for most frequencies. RMSE results revealed more than 84 percent of those hearing aid fittings for themild-to-moderate hearing losses were within 5 dB at all test levels. Fittings for severe to profound hearinglosses had the greatest deviation from target and RMSE. Aided SII values for the mild-to-moderate audiogramsfell within the normative range for DSL pediatric fittings, although they fell within the lower portionof the distribution. For more severe losses, SII values for some hearing aids fell below the normative range.<br />Conclusions: In this study, use of the software-derived manufacturers’ fittings based on the DSL v5.0pediatric targets set most hearing aids within a clinically acceptable range around the prescribed target,particularly for mild-to-moderate hearing losses. However, it is likely that clinician adjustment based onverification of hearing aid output would be required to optimize the fit to target, maximize aided SII, andensure appropriate audibility across all degrees of hearing loss.<br />

A Family With Autosomal-Dominant Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss

1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Halpin ◽  
Barbara Herrmann ◽  
Margaret Whearty
Keyword(s):  
Speech Production ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
The Family ◽  
Patient Will ◽  
Language Pathology

The family described in this article provides an unusual opportunity to relate findings from genetic, histological, electrophysiological, psychophysical, and rehabilitative investigation. Although the total number evaluated is large (49), the known, living affected population is smaller (14), and these are spread from age 20 to age 59. As a result, the findings described above are those of a large-scale case study. Clearly, more data will be available through longitudinal study of the individuals documented in the course of this investigation but, given the slow nature of the progression in this disease, such studies will be undertaken after an interval of several years. The general picture presented to the audiologist who must rehabilitate these cases is that of a progressive cochlear degeneration that affects only thresholds at first, and then rapidly diminishes speech intelligibility. The expected result is that, after normal language development, the patient may accept hearing aids well, encouraged by the support of the family. Performance and satisfaction with the hearing aids is good, until the onset of the speech intelligibility loss, at which time the patient will encounter serious difficulties and may reject hearing aids as unhelpful. As the histological and electrophysiological results indicate, however, the eighth nerve remains viable, especially in the younger affected members, and success with cochlear implantation may be expected. Audiologic counseling efforts are aided by the presence of role models and support from the other affected members of the family. Speech-language pathology services were not considered important by the members of this family since their speech production developed normally and has remained very good. Self-correction of speech was supported by hearing aids and cochlear implants (Case 5’s speech production was documented in Perkell, Lane, Svirsky, & Webster, 1992). These patients received genetic counseling and, due to the high penetrance of the disease, exhibited serious concerns regarding future generations and the hope of a cure.

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