Effect of Hearing Aid Technology Level and Individual Characteristics on Listener Outcome Measures

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of hearing aid technology level on listener outcome measures. In addition, we aimed to determine if individual characteristics such as noise acceptance and the demands of the listening environment impacted performance and preference. Method A repeated-measures, single-blinded research design was utilized. Twenty-four adults recruited by mail from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Audiology Clinic participated in this experiment (15 men and nine women). Participants completed two 2-week trial periods using Unitron T Moxi Fit FLEX:TRIAL devices programmed as basic or premium technology levels. A data-logging feature, Log It All (LIA), quantified the demands of the listening environment. At the end of each trial, outcome measures were obtained using Pascoe's High-Frequency Word List, the Hearing in Noise Test, the Quick Speech-in-Noise Test, the Acceptable Noise Level (ANL), the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing short form, satisfaction ratings, and preference. Results Results for ANL, satisfaction in large groups, and LIA total coverage were significantly improved for the premium devices. Participants who preferred the premium devices received significant improvement with premium devices on the ANL and the speech in small group and speech in large group satisfaction ratings, whereas participants who preferred the basic devices did not receive significant improvement with premium devices on any outcome measure. Participants in more demanding listening environments received significant improvement with premium devices on the ANL, whereas participants in less demanding listening environments did not receive significant improvement with premium devices on any outcome measure. Conclusions Group data revealed similar outcomes between technology levels on most measures; however, noise acceptance and satisfaction for speech in a large group were significantly improved when using the premium devices. Individual characteristics such as noise acceptance and listening demands may be useful when comparing hearing aid technology levels for a given patient.

Effect of Hearing Aid Technology Level on New Hearing Aid Users

“…These findings were consistent with previous research in experienced users. 2 One possible explanation for the similarity in speech perception performance between both technology levels is the sophistication of modern hearing aids. Basic technology hearing aids available to clinicians continue to improve as new premium models are developed.…”

“…This finding also agreed with previous research evaluating experienced hearing aid users that showed a satisfaction improvement from 2.6 to 3.3 when using premium hearing aids. 2…”

“…Previous research in experienced hearing aid users classified listeners with a LIA benefit greater than 42% as having a high listening demand environment whereas listeners with a LIA benefit less than 42% were classified as having a low listening demand environment. 2 Preference results for experienced users suggested listeners in more demanding environments preferred premium hearing aids to basic hearing aids (eight to three) because the improved ability to accept noise was actually noticeable in their demanding, daily lives. These findings agreed with Wu et al 3 who suggested the benefit of additional complex automatic and adaptive features in premium hearing aids may only be beneficial for participants in demanding listening environments.…”

“…This fitting protocol was chosen because laboratory evaluations were conducted using a speech input of 65 dB SPL and so findings could be directly compared with previous research. 2 Each participant used the hearing aids for two, 4-week trial periods in a single-blind crossover design where the devices were programmed with the basic technology for one trial period and premium technology for the other trial period. Four-week trial periods were used to allow participants sufficient time to adjust to and benefit from the hearing aids.…”

“…However, research evaluating the effect of technology level on patient outcome measures does not support this assumption for all users. 1 2 3…”