Directivity and noise reduction in hearing aids: speech perception and benefit.
Hearing aid.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the performance, benefit and satisfaction of users of ITE, CIC and BTE digital hearing aid with noise reduction and omnidirectional and directional microphones.


METHODS
34 users of hearing aid were evaluated by means of speech perception in noise tests and APHAB and IOI self assessment questionnaires. Prospective study.


RESULTS
Better results were obtained by users of ITE, CIC and directional hearing aids, however, no statistical significance was found between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Directivity improved speech perception in noise and benefit in daily life situations.
University of São Paulo.
Camila Angélica
CA
Quintino
Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia
MF
Mondelli
Déborah Viviane
DV
Ferrari
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013067:Speech Perception; D013069:Speech Reception Threshold Test; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult