Advantages of a non-linear frequency compression algorithm in noise.
A multichannel non-linear frequency compression algorithm was evaluated in comparison to conventional amplification hearing aids using a test of speech understanding in noise (Oldenburger Satztest-OLSA) and subjective questionnaires. The new algorithm compresses frequencies above a pre-calculated cut off frequency and shifts them to a lower frequency range, thereby providing high-frequency audibility. Low-frequencies, below the compression cut off frequency, are amplified normally. This algorithm is called SoundRecover (SR). In this study, 11 experienced hearing aid users with a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss were tested. Seven subjects showed enhanced levels of understanding in noise (OLSA) using frequency compression. However, 4 out of the 11 subjects could not benefit from the high-frequency gain. Evaluation using questionnaires demonstrated an increased level of satisfaction after 2 months of experimental devices wearing (p = 0.08) and after 4 months of wearing (p = 0.09), respectively, compared to conventional hearing instruments.
Bohnert
Andrea
A
Department of ENT and Communication Disorders, Mainz Medical School, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. bohnert@kommunikation.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Nyffeler
Myriel
M
Keilmann
Annerose
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013067:Speech Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome