The effects of auditory object identification and localization (AOIL) training on noise acceptance and loudness discomfort in persons with normal hearing

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the changes in Acceptable Noise Levels (ANLs) and Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDLs) after at home use of Auditory Object Identification and Localization auditory training (AOIL, [Searchfield, Morrison-Low, & Wise, 2007]. Object identification and attention training for treating tinnitus. Progress in Brain Research, 166, 441–460. doi:S0079-6123(07)66043-9 [pii]).Methods: A crossover design was used to compare LDLs and ANLs measured in 40 participants (16 male 24 female, average age 24, SD 2.5 years) with normal hearing, prior to and after 15 days of training and 15 days of no training (control). The auditory training consisted of identifying a mixture of environmental sounds or speech stimuli against various background noises from three different virtual locations (left, right, center). The participants listened to the training stimuli using Philips GoGear Vibe personal music players and recorded their responses on a training record sheet.Results: A significant training-specific decrease (improvement) in ANLs was found, but no change in LDLs was observed.Summary: The results indicate that the AOIL training program improved noise acceptance, but did not affect LDLs, in persons with normal hearing. The training task should be investigated for use as a therapeutic tool in persons with ‘annoyance hyperacusis’.Abbreviations: ANL: Acceptable Noise Level; MCL: Most Comfortable Level; BNL: Background Noise Level