Tavana H, Rouzbahani M, Sameni S J, Maarefvand M. Examination of Speech Signals’ Intensity Reconstruction Through Evaluation of the Frequency Responses of Behind-the-ear Hearing Aids Fitted With NAL-NL2 and DSLi/o v5 Prescription Formulas. Func Disabil J 2020; 3 (1) :83-90
URL:
http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-129-en.html
1- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. , rouzbahani.m@iums.ac.ir
Abstract: (1027 Views)
Background & Objectives: The widespread prevalence of hearing loss can leave restrictive impacts on the acoustic and psychoacoustic hearing components, language and speech development, education, and employment of those with hearing impairments. On the other hand, given that hearing aids are the most commonly used devices to help auditory rehabilitation, and speech is the most essential human interaction signal, the examination of hearing aid’s frequency responses and the capability of intensity reconstruction of speech signals according to the existing standards are of utmost importance. The present study was conducted to compare hearing aid’s performance with two prescription formulas, at three input intensity levels, and two hearing loss configurations.
Methods: Using the FRYE FP35 analyzer, the present study examined two Phonak Bolero B50 hearing aids fitted with two prescription formulas (NAL-NL2 and DSLi/o v5) for two degrees of hearing loss (mild to moderately severe and moderately severe to severe) presented with intensity-filtered ISTS speech signals at three input intensities (50, 65, and 80 dB SPL).
Results: The DSLi/o v5 formula prescribed higher average gain and intensity reconstruction for both hearing loss degrees and at all three input intensities compared with the NAL-NL2 formula.
Conclusion: Depending on the purpose of gain prescription, whether the loudness is important or speech intelligibility, the choice of an appropriate fitting formula can be affected.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Audiology Received: 2020/10/30 | Accepted: 2020/12/1 | Published: 2020/12/3