Traditional Hearing Aids Research Articles

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Versus Traditional Hearing Aids in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss: Protocol for a Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial.

With the aging of society, the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) is increasing. Currently, approximately 5% of the global population has HL, and this number is projected to reach 7 million by 2050. Although hearing aids (HAs) are the primary treatment for HL, their use is limited by barriers such as high costs and social stigma. To address these limitations, over-the-counter (OTC) HAs have been introduced, but their effectiveness and drawbacks require further investigation. This study aims to conduct a noninferiority randomized controlled trial comparing OTC HAs with traditional HAs to assess the clinical effectiveness of OTC HAs. We designed a noninferiority randomized controlled trial comparing OTC HAs and traditional HAs in adults with mild-to-moderate HL. A total of 64 participants (32 per group) will be recruited. Randomization will be performed using block randomization (block sizes of 2 or 4) with an equal allocation ratio. The study will include 2 types of HAs: an OTC HA (Jabra Enhance Pro) and a traditional HA (LiNX Quattro LE561-DRW) by GN ReSound A/S. OTC HAs will be self-fitted using a smartphone app, while traditional HAs will be fitted by a licensed audiologist using the National Acoustics Laboratories-Non-Linear Prescription, second generation. Assessments, including functional gain, real-ear measurement, speech audiometry, and questionnaires, will be conducted at 6-month intervals over the course of 3 visits. Statistical analysis will compare the 2 outcomes, focusing on functional gain, to determine noninferiority. This study is scheduled to begin in August 2024 and has not yet recruited any participants. The study will be conducted over 2 years, from August 2024 to July 2026. Each participant will have 2 follow-up visits at 6-month intervals, making the total follow-up period 1 year. Since 2022, the introduction of OTC HAs has revolutionized access to these devices. Researchers, clinicians, and the general public are keen to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of OTC HAs, as more individuals will likely use them for HL. This increased usage will provide valuable real-world data to understand the benefits and limitations of OTC HAs. Monitoring the outcomes and user feedback will provide insights into their effectiveness and impact on hearing rehabilitation. PRR1-10.2196/59894.

Enhancing Situational Awareness with VAS-Compass Net for the Recognition of Directional Vehicle Alert Sounds

People with hearing impairments often face increased risks related to traffic accidents due to their reduced ability to perceive surrounding sounds. Given the cost and usage limitations of traditional hearing aids and cochlear implants, this study aims to develop a sound alert assistance system (SAAS) to enhance situational awareness and improve travel safety for people with hearing impairments. We proposed the VAS-Compass Net (Vehicle Alert Sound–Compass Net), which integrates three lightweight convolutional neural networks: EfficientNet-lite0, MobileNetV3-Small, and GhostNet. Through employing a fuzzy ranking ensemble technique, our proposed model can identify different categories of vehicle alert sounds and directions of sound sources on an edge computing device. The experimental dataset consisted of images derived from the sounds of approaching police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and car horns from various directions. The audio signals were converted into spectrogram images and Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient images, and they were fused into a complete image using image stitching techniques. We successfully deployed our proposed model on a Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer, paired with a customized smartwatch to realize an SAAS. Our experimental results demonstrated that VAS-Compass Net achieved an accuracy of 84.38% based on server-based computing and an accuracy of 83.01% based on edge computing. Our proposed SAAS has the potential to significantly enhance the situational awareness, alertness, and safety of people with hearing impairments on the road.

Subjective benefits from wearing self-fitting over-the-counter hearing aids in the real world.

In 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration enacted final regulations to establish the category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids aimed at reducing barriers to access hearing health care for individuals with self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. However, given the infancy of this device category, the effectiveness of OTC hearing aids in real-world environments is not yet well understood. To gain insights into the perceived benefit of self-fitting OTC hearing aids, a two-pronged investigation was conducted. In the primary investigation, 255 active users of a self-fitting OTC hearing aid were surveyed on their perceived benefit using an abridged form of the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Living (SADL) scale. The mean global (4.9) and subscale scores (Positive Effect (PE): 4.3; Negative Features (NF): 4.3; Personal Image (PI): 6.1) were within the range of those previously reported for users of prescription hearing aids. In the secondary investigation, 29 individuals with self-reported hearing impairment but no prior experience with the investigational self-fitting OTC hearing aids used the devices and reported their perceived benefit and satisfaction following short-term usage. For this prospective group, the global SADL (5.4) and subscale scores (PE: 4.8; NF: 4.9; PI: 6.5) following a minimum of 10 weeks of real-world use were also within the range of those previously reported for traditional hearing aid users. In addition, this prospective group was also asked quality of life questions which assessed psychological benefits of hearing aid use. Responses to these items suggest hearing aid related improvements in several areas spanning emotional health, relationships at home and at work, social life, participation in group activities, confidence and feelings about one's self, ability to communicate effectively, and romance. Converging data from these investigations suggest that self-fitting OTC hearing aids can potentially provide their intended users with a level of subjective benefit comparable to what prescription hearing aid users might experience.

Awareness of Health Professionals about Candidacy of Cochlear Implant

Background: Cochlear implants serve as a transformative solution for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, particularly benefiting children aged 12-24 months with bilateral profound deafness who find little to no benefit from traditional hearing aids. This advanced auditory technology converts acoustic signals into electrical stimuli, directly stimulating the auditory nerve and thereby providing an essential hearing function. The determination of candidacy for cochlear implants is a collaborative process involving ENT specialists, audiologists, and speech and language pathologists. These devices significantly impact the lives of profoundly deaf individuals by offering a means to access sound and develop communication skills, crucial for their integration into a hearing world.
 Objective: To assess the awareness of health professionals about candidacy of cochlear implant.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was meticulously designed, adhering to standardized protocols for data collection and analysis to enhance the reliability and validity of findings. The research unfolded in various government and private hospitals across Lahore, focusing on a specific cohort of health professionals—ENT specialists and speech and language pathologists. A total of 55 participants, both male and female, aged between 29 to 52 years, were systematically selected through non-probability convenience sampling. The assessment of awareness among these professionals regarding the candidacy for cochlear implants was conducted using a carefully structured pediatric checklist. This tool encompassed multiple items directly relating to the core candidacy criteria, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of professional knowledge and awareness. The analysis was performed using statistical methods appropriate for cross-sectional data, aiming to draw meaningful insights from the responses collected.
 Results: The study's participant pool consisted of 24 ENT specialists (43.6%) and 31 speech and language pathologists (56.4%), highlighting a diverse representation of the field. Among these professionals, a significant discrepancy in awareness was observed. Those who had practical experience working in cochlear implant centers demonstrated a higher level of awareness, with nuanced understanding of both audiometric and speech-based candidacy criteria. Conversely, participants lacking this practical exposure showed considerable gaps in their knowledge, particularly in applying these criteria to pediatric cases. The numerical data revealed that only a fraction of the respondents could accurately identify all key candidacy indicators, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions.
 Conclusion: The findings of this study underline a palpable deficiency in the awareness and understanding of cochlear implant candidacy criteria among ENT specialists and speech and language pathologists. Despite the critical role these professionals play in the identification and management of potential implant candidates, a notable portion exhibited limited knowledge, especially in aspects beyond their immediate field of expertise. This gap was more pronounced among those without direct experience in cochlear implant centers, suggesting that hands-on involvement significantly contributes to a deeper comprehension of candidacy nuances. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive training programs and continued professional development opportunities to bridge these knowledge gaps, ensuring that all children who could benefit from cochlear implants are accurately identified and referred.

Over-the-counter hearing aids: implementations and opportunities

After decades of effort by shareholders, including government agencies, patient advocacy groups, and professional organizations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a new medical device category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids on October 17, 2022. This FDA regulation allows adults aged 18 years or older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss to purchase OTC hearing aids without a prescription or even a hearing test. The goal is to increase hearing aid accessibility, potentially leading to improved hearing and a better quality of life. In our analysis of the FDA Establishment Registration & Device Listing database, we found that the current OTC hearing aid market is still dominated by traditional hearing aid manufacturers, with limited disruptor from major consumer electronics and startup companies. Our technological analyses showed that the relatively high-level output specification without gain limitation allows sufficient amplification even for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Additionally, borrowing from the cochlear implant mapping strategy, we propose novel amplification algorithms for fitting OTC hearing aids without an audiogram. We argue that smartphones and true-wireless-stereo earbuds can functionally serve as OTC hearing aids, further increasing accessibility and affordability while reducing the stigma associated with hearing aids, especially in low- and mid-income countries. By treating more people at a younger age with less hearing loss than traditional prescription hearing aids, OTC hearing aids can potentially have a significant impact beyond hearing care, such as delaying or preventing cognitive decline in the elderly.

Otological Planning Software-OTOPLAN: A Narrative Literature Review.

The cochlear implant (CI) is a widely accepted option in patients with severe to profound hearing loss receiving limited benefit from traditional hearing aids. CI surgery uses a default setting for frequency allocation aiming to reproduce tonotopicity, thus mimicking the normal cochlea. One emerging instrument that may substantially help the surgeon before, during, and after the surgery is a surgical planning software product developed in collaboration by CASCINATION AG (Bern, Switzerland) and MED-EL (Innsbruck Austria). The aim of this narrative review is to present an overview of the main features of this otological planning software, called OTOPLAN®. The literature was searched on the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The search terms used were "OTOPLAN", "cochlear planning software" "three-dimensional imaging", "3D segmentation", and "cochlear implant" combined into different queries. This strategy yielded 52 publications, and a total of 31 studies were included. The review of the literature revealed that OTOPLAN is a useful tool for otologists and audiologists as it improves preoperative surgical planning both in adults and in children, guides the intraoperative procedure and allows postoperative evaluation of the CI.

“We’re just winging it”. Identifying targets for intervention to improve the provision of hearing support for residents living with dementia in long-term care: an interview study with care staff

Purpose Hearing loss and dementia are common in long-term care home (LTCH) residents, causing communication difficulties and worsened behavioural symptoms. Hearing support provided to residents with dementia requires improvement. This study is the first to use the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to identify barriers and propose interventions to improve the provision of hearing support by LTCH staff. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 10 staff members were conducted. Transcripts were analysed according to the BCW’s Theoretical Domains Framework alongside reflective thematic analysis. Relevant intervention functions and exemplar interventions were proposed. Results Staff believed hearing support to be beneficial to residents (Beliefs about Consequences) but lacked knowledge of hearing loss management (Knowledge). Poor collaborations between LTCHs and audiology (Environmental Context and Resources), led to despondency, and apprehension about traditional hearing aids for residents (Optimism). Despite feeling responsible for hearing support, staff lacked personal accountability (Social/Professional Role and Identity). Conclusions Future interventions should include staff Training (on hearing support), Education (on the consequences of unsupported hearing loss), Enablement (dementia-friendly hearing devices), Incentivisation and Modelling (of Hearing Champions) and Environmental Restructuring (flexible audiology appointments to take place within the LTCH). Interventions should be multi-faceted to boost the capabilities, opportunities and motivations of LTCH staff.

Exploring Hearing Care Technology from Clinic to Capability.

Healthcare systems are traditionally a clinician-led and reactive structure that does not promote clients managing their health issues or concerns from an early stage. However, when clients are proactive in starting their healthcare earlier than later, they can achieve better outcomes and quality of life. Hearing healthcare and the rehabilitation journey currently fit into this reactive and traditional model of care. With the development of service delivery models evolving to offer services to the consumer online and where they are predominately getting their healthcare information from the internet and the advancement of digital applications and hearing devices beyond traditional hearing aid structures, we are seeing a change in how consumers engage in hearing care. Similarly, as the range of hearing devices evolves with increasingly blended and standard levels of technology across consumer earbuds/headphones and medical grade hearing aids, we are seeing a convergence of consumers engaging earlier and becoming increasingly aware of hearing health needs. This article will discuss how the channels, service, and technology are coming together to reform traditionally clinician-led healthcare models to an earlier consumer-led model and the benefits and limitations associated with it. Additionally, we look to explore advances in hearing technologies and services, and if these will or can contribute to a behavioral change in the hearing healthcare journey of consumers.

Potential Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids in the US

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available in the US; however, their clinical and economic outcomes are unknown. To project the clinical and economic outcomes of traditional hearing aid provision compared with OTC hearing aid provision. This cost-effectiveness analysis used a previously validated decision model of hearing loss (HL) to simulate US adults aged 40 years and older across their lifetime in US primary care offices who experienced yearly probabilities of acquiring HL (0.1%-10.4%), worsening of their HL, and traditional hearing aid uptake (0.5%-8.1%/y at a fixed uptake cost of $3690) and utility benefits (0.11 additional utils/y). For OTC hearing aid provision, persons with perceived mild to moderate HL experienced increased OTC hearing aid uptake (1%-16%/y) based on estimates of time to first HL diagnosis. In the base case, OTC hearing aid utility benefits ranged from 0.05 to 0.11 additional utils/y (45%-100% of traditional hearing aids), and costs were $200 to $1400 (5%-38% of traditional hearing aids). Distributions were assigned to parameters to conduct probabilistic uncertainty analysis. Provision of OTC hearing aids, at increased uptake rates, across a range of effectiveness and costs. Lifetime undiscounted and discounted (3%/y) costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Traditional hearing aid provision resulted in 18.162 QALYs, compared with 18.162 to 18.186 for OTC hearing aids varying with OTC hearing aid utility benefit (45%-100% that of traditional hearing aids). Provision of OTC hearing aids was associated with greater lifetime discounted costs by $70 to $200 along with OTC device cost ($200-$1000/pair; 5%-38% traditional hearing aid cost) due to increased hearing aid uptake. Provision of OTC hearing aids was considered cost-effective (ICER<$100 000/QALY) if the OTC utility benefit was 0.06 or greater (55% of the traditional hearing aid effectiveness). In probabilistic uncertainty analysis, OTC hearing aid provision was cost-effective in 53% of simulations. In this cost-effectiveness analysis, provision of OTC hearing aids was associated with greater uptake of hearing intervention and was cost-effective over a range of prices so long as OTC hearing aids were greater than 55% as beneficial to patient quality of life as traditional hearing aids.

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid: A Narrative Review

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) is a small vibrator that can be reversibly attached to a Titanium (Ti) screw and implanted behind the ear. It uses the bone conduction channel to activate the cochleae by converting sound into the vibration of the screw. The two main indications are conductive hearing loss and unilateral deafness when using traditional hearing aids is not possible, as a rehabilitative or mixed hearing loss with a moderate perceptual component. For patients with canal atresia, Single-sided Deafness (SSD), and chronically discharged ears despite treatment, the BAHA implant is an option. Combination hearing loss is a crucial indicator for implanted hearing implants. Various options are accessible based on the bone conduction threshold. Patients with modest sensorineural impairment usually benefit from transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implants (BCI), while those with intermediate hearing loss may also benefit from percutaneous BCI devices. For combined, active middle ear implants are advised for hearing deficits with moderate and severe cochlear hearing loss. For individuals who need middle ear surgery or who are incompatible with other options for therapy, implants are a helpful and successful addition. Skin-drive Bone Conduction Devices (BCDs) are BCDs that vibrate the bone via the skin can also be separated into passive subcutaneous devices and traditional devices that are coupled, for instance, with soft bands with implanted magnets. BCDs that directly stimulate the bone, percutaneous devices, and dynamic transcutaneous devices are examples of direct-drive devices. The latter kind of apparatus uses embedded transducers to stimulate bone effectively via healthy skin. The BAHA, also known as the percutaneous direct-drive device (BCD), now rules the market. More direct-drive and skin-drive transcutaneous solutions are now being studied, partly due to problems with the transdermal implant and partly for aesthetic reasons.

Cochlear implant-specific risks should be considered, when assessing the quality of life of children and adolescents with hearing loss and cochlear implants-not just cochlear implant-specific benefits-Perspective.

Cochlear implants (CIs) are electronic medical devices that enable hearing in cases where traditional hearing aids are of minimal or no use. Quality of life (QoL) studies of children and adolescents with a CI have so far focused on the CI-specific benefits. However, the CI-specific risks listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not yet been considered. From this list, medical and device-related complications, lifelong dependency on the implanted device, and neurosecurity risks (CI technology is an interface technology) may be particularly relevant for young CI users. Medical and device-related complications can cause physical discomfort (e.g., fever, pain), as well as functioning problems (e.g., in speech discrimination, social behavior, and mood). In the worst case, reimplantation is required. Clinical experience shows that these complications are perceived as a burden for young CI users. Furthermore, many young patients are worried about possible complications. Additionally, CIs can be at least a temporary burden when children, typically at the age of 8-9 years, realize that they need the CI for life, or when they become peer victims because of their CI. Concerning neurosecurity risks, it is still unknown how young CI recipients perceive them. In summary, CI-specific risks can be perceived as a burden by young CI users that impairs their QoL. Therefore, they should not be ignored. There is an urgent need for studies on this topic, which would not only be important for professionals and parents, but also for the design of CI-specific QoL instruments.

Bone Conduction Hearing Aid

Abstract: The GSM based Soundbite hearing system allows people with hearing disability to hear the sounds via bone conduction to wear an intraoral device and a small microphone in the deaf ear to regain lost hearing. This device consists of GSM modem, PIC16F877A controller and audio amplifier unit. GSM modem will receive incoming calls and automatically answer the call via AT Commands. Then incoming voice signal is converted into low frequency vibration signal that fed through the teeth to cochlea. Unlike implantable bone conduction hearing aids, Sound Bite requires no surgery. Rather, it is the world’s first removable and non-surgical hearing solution to use the well-established principle of bone conduction to imperceptibly transmit sound via the teeth. Custom made for each person, Sound Bite is simple, removable, and totally non-invasive. This paper introduces a novel hearing aid named artificial ultrasonic bone conduction hearing device, which is different from the traditional hearing aid in two sides: 1) sound conduction manner, 2) human perceptive principles. We focus on discussing the structure of the hearing aid and the research of frequency transposition algorithm. In addition, we design algorithm experimental platform and some sample electromechanical transducers.

New Considerations for a Totally Implantable Active Middle Ear Implant.

Totally implantable active middle ear implants (AMEI) provide full-time hearing amplification to those with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. While technology in conventional hearing aids (CHA) has advanced greatly, limitations remain for people with active lifestyles, limited vision or dexterity, and hearing aid fit issues. Furthermore, direct-drive properties of AMEI are thought to provide those with inefficient middle ear transfer functions a distinct advantage in delivering prescribed sound to the cochlea, ultimately improving speech understanding with less distortion. AMEI safety, stability, and efficacy outcomes are well documented and fitting strategies continue to improve. Recent studies show how simple aided speech testing can help predict whether a patient struggling with CHA may instead benefit from an AMEI. Totally implantable AMEI continue to be a viable option for patients who cannot or will not utilize traditional hearing aids.

A review of the impact of hearing interventions on social isolation and loneliness in older people with hearing loss.

Hearing loss affects many older people and is associated with social isolation and loneliness. The impact of hearing interventions however has not been established. The objective of this review is to determine the impact of hearing interventions in older people with hearing loss on social isolation and loneliness. A literature review using PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases was performed. Search terms included older people, elderly, aging, ageing, hearing aid, hearing rehabilitation, social isolation, loneliness and social interaction. English-language studies with participants aged over 60years diagnosed with hearing loss comparing outcomes pre- and post-hearing interventions were included. A total of 176 articles were identified of which seven met the inclusion criteria. Five studies examined the impact of traditional hearing aids whilst two articles examined outcomes after cochlear implantation. Several outcome measures were used. Loneliness outcomes were reported in three studies and social isolation outcomes in four. All studies reported improved social isolation and loneliness scores following hearing intervention. Small sample sizes, a lack of high-quality evidence, heterogenicity between studies and the presence of confounding factors limits interpretation of the literature. At present, there is inadequate evidence to support the use of hearing interventions in the treatment of social isolation and loneliness in older people. Given the ageing population, the significance of this health burden cannot be underestimated, emphasising the need for further research.

Advantages of Smart Phone Hearing Aids Over Traditional Hearing Aids

Hearing is the process by which the ear transforms sound vibrations in the external environment into nerve impulses that are conveyed to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds. A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you wear in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations. Objective: To find out the Advantages of smart phone hearing aids over traditional hearing aids. Keywords: Audiologist, Hearing Aids, Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/85-08 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

Intracochlearendoscopy in Cochlear Implantation of X-Linked Stapes Gusher Syndrome

Abstract Introduction X-linked stapes gusher syndrome is a rare form of congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Affected patients have abnormal configuration of the lamina cribrosa and internal auditory canal (IAC), leading to an increased risk of perilymph gusher with surgical manipulation. We report a case whereby intra-operative too endoscopic visualization allowed real time visualization of the inner ear (IE) anatomy, which has the potential to impact on electrode choice in cochlear implants (CI). Case A 12-year-old boy has been followed up in our Pediatrics Otolaryngology department with bilateral SNHL and X-linked stapes gusher syndrome for five years. He initially performed well with bilateral traditional hearing aids, but developed progressive mixed loss and became a CI candidate for his left ear. The pre-operative computed tomography of the temporal bone showed the characteristic bulbous IAC with a dysplastic cochlea and no apparent modiolus. Intra-operative intracochlear endoscopy however, showed an apparent modiolus without direct communication to the IAC, contrary to the imaging. Discussion Electrode choice during CI in patients with IE malformation is based on the expected location of spiral ganglion cells. Intracochlear endoscopy offers an additional tool for assessment of inner ear anatomy, which may assist in optimal electrode selection. Conclusion We advocate the use of intracochlear endoscopy in selected cases as it offers a better assessment of the intracochlear membranous compartments and modiolusthan high resolution CT and has the potential to allow customization of electrode choice based on membranous inner ear anatomy.

Argumentum ad Ignorantiam: Smartphone-Connected Listening Devices.

In this article, we review the current literature assessing the application and benefits of connected hearing technologies, as well as their potential to improve accessibility to and affordability of hearing healthcare. Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of hearing devices that connect wirelessly to smartphone technologies via Bluetooth. These devices include (1) smartphone-connected hearing aids that must be obtained from a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser; (2) direct-to-consumer devices, such as personal sound amplification products; and (3) smartphone-based hearing aid applications (or apps). Common to all these connected devices is that they permit the user to self-adjust and customize their device programs via an accompanying smartphone app. There has been a growing body of literature assessing connected hearing devices in adults living with hearing loss. Overall, the evidence to date supports the notion that all connected hearing devices can improve accessibility to and affordability of amplification. It is unclear, however, whether connected technologies are a clinically effective alternative to traditional hearing aids. Even so, the impact of connectivity is especially pertinent given the sudden disruption caused by the recent global COVID-19 pandemic, whereby connected technologies enable patients to receive treatment through mobile-based, tele-audiology platforms.

Potential of Augmented Reality Platforms to Improve Individual Hearing Aids and to Support More Ecologically Valid Research.

An augmented reality (AR) platform combines several technologies in a system that can render individual “digital objects” that can be manipulated for a given purpose. In the audio domain, these may, for example, be generated by speaker separation, noise suppression, and signal enhancement. Access to the “digital objects” could be used to augment auditory objects that the user wants to hear better. Such AR platforms in conjunction with traditional hearing aids may contribute to closing the gap for people with hearing loss through multimodal sensor integration, leveraging extensive current artificial intelligence research, and machine-learning frameworks. This could take the form of an attention-driven signal enhancement and noise suppression platform, together with context awareness, which would improve the interpersonal communication experience in complex real-life situations. In that sense, an AR platform could serve as a frontend to current and future hearing solutions. The AR device would enhance the signals to be attended, but the hearing amplification would still be handled by hearing aids. In this article, suggestions are made about why AR platforms may offer ideal affordances to compensate for hearing loss, and how research-focused AR platforms could help toward better understanding of the role of hearing in everyday life.

Adults\u2019 cochlear implant journeys through care: a qualitative study

BackgroundCochlear implants (CIs) can provide a sound sensation for those with severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), benefitting speech understanding and quality of life. Nevertheless, rates of implantation remain low, and limited research investigates journeys from traditional hearing aids to implantable devices.MethodFifty-five adults (≥ 50 years), hearing aid users and/or CI users, General Practitioners, and Australian and United Kingdom audiologists took part in a multi-methods study. Focus groups, interviews, and surveys were thematically analysed.ResultsOne hundred forty-three data-capture events disclosed 2 themes: 1) “The burden of hearing loss and the impact of Cochlear Implants”, and 2) “Professional Support and Practice, and HCPs Roles and Responsibilities”.ConclusionsCare experience can include convoluted, complex journeys towards cochlear implantation. The significant impact of this, as hearing loss progresses, motivates people to consider implants, but they and healthcare professionals need clear supported with defined referral pathways, and less system complexity.

Compare the Level of Satisfaction Among Smart Phone and Traditional Hearing Aids Users

Hearing is crucial for human life, it undertakes a important job in dissertation and linguistic development, which is the fundamental device for the advancement of human correspondence. People with hearing impedance may endure extreme misfortune in their social, mental and proficient lives, dread, misery, disengagement and further more family strains as a result of the absence of consideration influencing those with hearing disorders. Objective: To compare the level of Satisfaction between smart phone hearing aids and traditional hearing aids users. Methods: C ross-sectional study was conducted among Hearing aids users with smart phone hearing aids and traditional hearing aids using purposive sampling technique .SADL (Satisfaction with amplification in daily life) was used to measure the satisfaction level between smart phone hearing aids users and traditional hearing aids users.100 applicants by moderate to severe senserineural hearing loss of age range from 18 years to 35 years recommended for hearing aids fitting were included in this research by their consent. Data for this research was collected from Sialkot, Lahore, Narowal, Gujranwala, Pakistan. The data of 100 participants were analyzed through SPSS version 25.O and P-value less than 0.05was considered significant. Results: A total number of 100 participants were included under which there were 50 males and 50 females.. Out of 100, 53(53%) participants belong to age group of (26+35) years and 47(47%) participants belong to age group of (18+26) years. The participants who were using traditional hearing aids, there the level of satisfaction was 48.0±3.915 and the level of satisfaction in the participants who were using smart phone hearing aids was 53.95±4.17. Smart phone hearing aids users were more satisfied than traditional hearing aids users. Conclusion: It was concluded that smart phone hearing aids users have more satisfaction level as compare to traditional hearing aids users. Keywords: Audiologist, Audible range, Hearing loss, Smart phone Hearing aids, Traditional hearing aids. DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/69-05 Publication date: December 31 st 2019