Evaluation of electroacoustic test signals II: development and cross-validation of correction factors.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and cross-validate corrections for improving the match between amplified speech levels and frequency response measurements with hearing aids.


METHODS
Previously published correction approaches were reviewed. Two regression-based corrections and two nonregression corrections were developed from an existing database of hearing aid responses measured with clinically available test signals and speech (Scollie & Seewald, 2002). Corrections were evaluated on a second database of digital hearing aid responses for test signals and speech. The second data set was constructed specifically to challenge three hypothesized threats to the robustness of the corrections.


RESULTS
The error for each signal (corrected and uncorrected) was calculated. Correction procedures produced a significant improvement in the match between predicted and measured aided levels of speech. Inclusion of compression-related variables provided small but significant improvements. Results generalized to the second data set.


CONCLUSIONS
Correction procedures may be applied to improve the match between aided test signal levels and aided levels of speech.
Scollie
Susan D
SD
National Centre for Audiology, The University of Western Ontario, Elborn College, London, Canada. Scollie@nca.uwo.ca
Steinberg
M Jane
MJ
Seewald
Richard C
RC
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*