title: Frequency-modulation (FM) technology as a method for improving speech perception in noise for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Almost half of the population with multiple sclerosis (MS) complains of difficulty hearing, despite having essentially normal pure-tone thresholds. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of frequency-modulation (FM) technology utilization on speech perception in noise for adults with and without MS. Sentence material was presented at a constant level of 65 dBA Leq from a loudspeaker located at 0 degrees azimuth. The microphone of the FM transmitter was placed 7.5 cm from this loudspeaker. Multitalker babble was presented from four loudspeakers positioned at 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees azimuths. The starting presentation level for the babble was 55 dBA Leq, The level of the noise was increased systematically in 1 dB steps until the subject obtained 0% key words correct on the IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers) sentences. Test results revealed significant differences between the unaided and aided conditions at several signal-to-noise ratios.
authors.affiliation: VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland VAMC, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. Michele.Lewis3@med.va.gov
authors.forename: M Samantha
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hutter
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lilly
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bourdette
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Fausti
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001302:Audiometry, Speech; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000145:classification*; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000145:classification; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*