Evaluation of advanced hearing aid features

Researcher(s): A.H.J. Janssen, E.E.
Supervisor(s): M. Boymans, PhD., prof. W.A. Dreschler, PhD.

Background:

There are several features available in high-end hearing aids that aim to help a hearing impaired listener improving one or more hearing functions, e.g. noise reduction, directionality and automatic adaptation. There is lack of objective tests to evaluate the added value of these features. Better evaluation procedures (both objective and subjective) will facilitate the targeted application of new techniques in advanced hearing aids and the fitting and fine-tuning of these hearing aids.

Aim:

Selection and/or design of (objective) functional test methods that are able to measure the added value of high-end features in hearing aids. These results will be compared to the results of (subjective) questionnaires of the hearing impaired subjects using the hearing aid(s).

Method:

a. Literature review on the proven effectiveness of hearing aid features, assessed by (objective) functional tests and by subjective outcome measures.
b. Selection and/or design of (objective) functional test methods
c. Conducting (designed) tests to assess the benefits of advanced features.
d. Self-report of hearing aid users, using the SSQ-questionnaire.

The following features in high-end hearing aids will be considered in first instance: noise suppression, (adaptive) directionality and automatic usage of multiple programs. In the future we also plan to investigate features related to undesired side effects: acoustical feedback, windnoise, and occlusion.

The project started in November 2006.


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General Otology Prevention of hearing loss Auditory profile Rehabilitation Evaluation of Noise Reduction in (digital) Hearing Aids AZOS-project: Modified care model for hearing impaired listeners Classification of hearing aids in CLiQ Interactive fitting of hearing aids “Self learning” or trainable hearing aid Evaluation of advanced hearing aid features Optimalisation of hearing aids through paired comparisons Field trials with innovative hearing instruments The added value of a bilateral hearing aid fitting Hearing at work Publications Presentations	Evaluation of advanced hearing aid features Researcher(s): A.H.J. Janssen, E.E. Supervisor(s): M. Boymans, PhD., prof. W.A. Dreschler, PhD. Background: There are several features available in high-end hearing aids that aim to help a hearing impaired listener improving one or more hearing functions, e.g. noise reduction, directionality and automatic adaptation. There is lack of objective tests to evaluate the added value of these features. Better evaluation procedures (both objective and subjective) will facilitate the targeted application of new techniques in advanced hearing aids and the fitting and fine-tuning of these hearing aids. Aim: Selection and/or design of (objective) functional test methods that are able to measure the added value of high-end features in hearing aids. These results will be compared to the results of (subjective) questionnaires of the hearing impaired subjects using the hearing aid(s). Method: a. Literature review on the proven effectiveness of hearing aid features, assessed by (objective) functional tests and by subjective outcome measures. b. Selection and/or design of (objective) functional test methods c. Conducting (designed) tests to assess the benefits of advanced features. d. Self-report of hearing aid users, using the SSQ-questionnaire. The following features in high-end hearing aids will be considered in first instance: noise suppression, (adaptive) directionality and automatic usage of multiple programs. In the future we also plan to investigate features related to undesired side effects: acoustical feedback, windnoise, and occlusion. The project started in November 2006.