title: Evaluation of a pinna compensation algorithm for sound localization and speech perception in noise.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a pinna compensation (PC) algorithm on localization performance in the horizontal plane and speech intelligibility in noise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine and 18 experienced hearing aid users with bilaterally symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss participated in the localization study and the speech-in-noise study, respectively. Performance was evaluated unaided, aided with a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid with an omnidirectional microphone (Omni), and aided with the same hearing aid with the PC algorithm (Omni+PC). Localization performance was measured using 12 loudspeakers spaced 30° apart on a horizontal plane. Speech-in-noise performance was measured with speech presented from 0° or 180°. A single-blinded, repeated measures design was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvement in localization accuracy was found when comparing the Omni+PC condition to the Omni condition. Also, the Omni+PC condition improved the signal-to-noise ratio by 2.4 dB when compared to the Omni condition when speech was presented from the front in a diffuse noise background.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of the PC algorithm improved localization on the horizontal plane and speech-in-noise performance. These results support use of the PC algorithm in BTE hearing aid fittings.
authors.affiliation: fkuk@widexusa.com
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kuk
authors.forename: Petri
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Korhonen
authors.forename: Chi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keenan
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Norgaard
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009622:Noise; D017603:Signal Detection, Psychological; D013017:Sound Localization / Q000502:physiology*; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome