Input-output (I/O) functions of hearing aids were measured in response to a 2000 Hz tone burst, having 0.5 ms rise/fall time and 10 ms duration. Findings indicated that the steady-state output limitation characteristics of hearing aids cannot be estimated from their onset responses. (Author/DB)

Three hearing aid manufacturers provided custom full-shell in-the-ear hearing aids designed for maximum acoustic gain for each of three hearing-impaired adults. Full-on coupler gain curves were similar across all nine hearing aids, with individual differences producing substantial variance in insertion gain across hearing aids. (Author/DB)

The application of the Articulation Index (AI) model to the fitting of linear amplification was evaluated for 12 subjects with sensorineural hearing loss. For all subjects, the relationship between percent-correct scores on a nonsense syllable test and AIs was monotonic, indicating that AI was effective for comparing conditions typical of those…

The average FM advantage over a personal hearing aid was equivalent to a 15dB improvement signal-to-noise-ratio (S/N). The benefit offered by the FM system decreased as the environmental signal-to-noise-ratio increased but remained significant even at +15dB. Significant improvement was also found with directional as compared to omnidirectional…

Describes program in which American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certified audiologists train protocol providers to assist older hearing-aid users in adjusting to using hearing aids on a daily basis. Training emphasizes empathy, effective communication skills, knowledge of the interaction of aging and hearing loss, phases outlined in…

This study examined the attenuation characteristics of 5 Frequency Modulation system sound delivery options for 25 adults and children (ages 5-13). Degree of ear canal occlusion was a major factor in degree of attenuation. For children with unilateral hearing impairments, the most acoustically appropriate option was the tube-fitting. (Author/JDD)

This study investigated ratings of amplified speech quality characterized by peak clipping, a common form of distortion in hearing aids, with eight college students having moderate/severe hearing losses. Both clipping level and interaction of the frequency-response shaping with clipping level significantly affected perceived speech quality. A…

A computerized hearing aid measurement system using simulated input and output compression hearing aids was compared to a manual technique using conventional laboratory instrumentation. Results matched closely, but the computer system was considerably more flexible and easier to use. (Author/DB)

This paper discusses the problem of feedback in hearing aids and offers examples based on a computer simulation of hearing aid behavior. The available technology for dealing with feedback is reviewed, and the new digital signal-processing approaches which may finally solve the feedback problem are described. (Author/DB)

This article introduces the use of multilayered artificial neural networks in hearing aid noise recognition. It reviews basic principles of neural networks, and offers an example of an application in which a neural network is used to identify the presence or absence of noise in speech. The ability of neural networks to "learn" the…

This study, involving 15 older adults with hearing impairments, investigated the relationship between sentence recognition ability and two types of signal processing in hearing aids. Results indicated a significant improvement in sentence recognition when employing an instrument with adaptive compression versus an instrument with an adaptive…

The study evaluated use of the Modified Power Law to predict permanent threshold shift (PTS) resulting from noise exposure in eight children with severe sensorineural hearing loss attributed to overamplification by hearing aids. The PTS tended to be flat across frequency with its course similar to PTS in persons with normal hearing exposed to…

Patients (N=110) at three different clinics were fitted binaurally with linear, in-the-canal hearing aids. In all patient groups, significant improvement in performance was observed for linear amplification and for base increase at low levels (BILL) processing when compared to unaided performance. There were no significant differences in aided…

Information is presented about the auditory development of infants and toddlers with hearing impairments, the goals of amplification, and how amplification is selected and assessed. Practical points to enhance hearing aid use and adjustment are offered. (Author/DB)

Two audiologists discuss the measurement of hearing aid benefits by means of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). They also report on numbers of listening problems identified using the APHAB subscales, and identify areas where further benefits are more and less likely. (DB)