title: Improvements in speech perception with an experimental nonlinear frequency compression hearing device.
abstract: The performance of an experimental frequency compression hearing device was evaluated using tests of speech understanding in quiet. The device compressed frequencies above a programmable cut-off, resulting in those parts of the input signal being shifted to lower frequencies. Below the cut-off, signals were amplified without frequency shifting. Subjects were experienced hearing aid users with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss and sloping audiograms. Their recognition of monosyllabic words was tested using the experimental device in comparison with conventional hearing aids. Of the 17 subjects, eight showed a significant score improvement (p < 0.05), whereas one subject showed a significant score decrease. Some of the improvements may have resulted from the better audibility provided in the high frequencies by the experimental device in comparison with the conventional aids. However, a subsequent study found that increasing the high-frequency gain in the conventional aids did not produce equivalent perceptual benefits.
authors: The Cooperative Research Centre for Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Innovation, 384-388 Albert Street, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. asimpson@bionicear.org
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Simpson
authors: Adam A
authors: AA
authors: Hersbach
authors: Hugh J
authors: HJ
authors: McDermott
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004007:Dichotic Listening Tests; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013067:Speech Perception; D016896:Treatment Outcome