Internal noise generated by hearing-aid circuits can be audible and objectionable to aid users, and may lead to the rejection of hearing aids. Two expansion algorithms were developed to suppress internal noise below a threshold level. The multiple-channel algorithm's expansion thresholds followed the 55-dB SPL long-term average speech spectrum, while the single-channel algorithm suppressed sounds below 45 dBA. With the recommended settings in static conditions, the single-channel algorithm provided lower noise levels, which were perceived as quieter by most normal-hearing participants. However, in dynamic conditions "pumping" noises were more noticeable with the single-channel algorithm. For impaired-hearing listeners fitted with the ADRO amplification strategy, both algorithms maintained speech understanding for words in sentences presented at 55 dB SPL in quiet (99.3% correct). Mean sentence reception thresholds in quiet were 39.4, 40.7, and 41.8 dB SPL without noise suppression, and with the single- and multiple-channel algorithms, respectively. The increase in the sentence reception threshold was statistically significant for the multiple-channel algorithm, but not the single-channel algorithm. Thus, both algorithms suppressed noise without affecting the intelligibility of speech presented at 55 dB SPL, with the single-channel algorithm providing marginally greater noise suppression in static conditions, and the multiple-channel algorithm avoiding pumping noises.

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.