Field trials with innovative hearing instruments

Researcher(s): M. Boymans, PhD., C.S.G.M. Bos, MSc.,

M. Foppes, E.E.
Supervisor(s): prof. W.A. Dreschler. PhD.

Background:
By means of field trials new techniques and prescription rules for hearing aids can be evaluated in real life conditions. Our centre is involved in a number of these studies either single centre studies at the AMC, or multi centre studies. Multi-centre strudies are usually organized by the foundation PACT (Platform for Audiological Clinical Testing), a platform for collaborative research founded by the audiological centres in 1998.

Method:
Field trials with newly introduced hearing aids or experimental prototypes, evaluation of prescription methods and evaluation related to specific questions in the hearing aid provision process.

Results:
In 2003 a study was conducted into the adaptive directionality of hearing aids with three microphones (Siemens Triano). The effects have been compared to adaptive directionality in two microphone hearing aids from other brands. Based on a number of pilot experiments a final test protocol has been developed. This protocol has been used by ing. M. Foppes for a study with normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners in different acoustical situations (different amounts of reverberation). Interaction between signal processing in the sprectral domain and in the temporal domain was investigated in the study using the Siemens Signia. Also a pilot experiment was conducted to asses the benefit of using compression in a T-coil signal. The application of compression makes the T-coil signal less sensitive for unwanted changes of the magnetic field, e.g. by head movements or a bad quality of the induction loop.

Future Research:
It can be expected that some new studies will be organized by PACT in the near future. It is probable that our group will be involved in one of these.


Home Onderwijs Wetenschap Research (EN)
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	Field trials with innovative hearing instruments Researcher(s): M. Boymans, PhD., C.S.G.M. Bos, MSc., M. Foppes, E.E. Supervisor(s): prof. W.A. Dreschler. PhD. Background: By means of field trials new techniques and prescription rules for hearing aids can be evaluated in real life conditions. Our centre is involved in a number of these studies either single centre studies at the AMC, or multi centre studies. Multi-centre strudies are usually organized by the foundation PACT (Platform for Audiological Clinical Testing), a platform for collaborative research founded by the audiological centres in 1998. Method: Field trials with newly introduced hearing aids or experimental prototypes, evaluation of prescription methods and evaluation related to specific questions in the hearing aid provision process. Results: In 2003 a study was conducted into the adaptive directionality of hearing aids with three microphones (Siemens Triano). The effects have been compared to adaptive directionality in two microphone hearing aids from other brands. Based on a number of pilot experiments a final test protocol has been developed. This protocol has been used by ing. M. Foppes for a study with normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners in different acoustical situations (different amounts of reverberation). Interaction between signal processing in the sprectral domain and in the temporal domain was investigated in the study using the Siemens Signia. Also a pilot experiment was conducted to asses the benefit of using compression in a T-coil signal. The application of compression makes the T-coil signal less sensitive for unwanted changes of the magnetic field, e.g. by head movements or a bad quality of the induction loop. Future Research: It can be expected that some new studies will be organized by PACT in the near future. It is probable that our group will be involved in one of these.