Perceived sound quality of three bone-anchored hearing aid models

Author(s): Erikssonmangold, M., Israelsson, B., Sandstrom, G.

Journal/Book: Brit J Audiol. 1995; 29: 24-28 Oval Rd, London, England NW1 7DX. W B Saunders Co Ltd. 309-314.

Abstract: Eighteen patients judged the sound quality of the new Classic300 and the existing HC100 or HC200 on 4 five-stage sound quality scales. Two of the scales relate to the perceptual dimensions softness and clarity one relates to interference or noise and one relates to the overall impression. The evaluations were made, based on a questionnaire, in the patients' own homes and comprised the listening situations: TV news, music, conversation with two to three people in a noisy environment and one optional choice. The patients also stated which hearing aid was best in each situation and made a confidence rating for their selection. The patients were accustomed to wearing the HC100 or HC200. In these comparisons of the different bone-anchored hearing aid models, the Classic 300 received the best ratings overall. Seventeen patients changed their previously fitted hearing aid to a Classic 300 and satisfactory sound quality was undoubtedly one of the principal reasons. When it came to the confidence rating for their selections, some two-thirds of the patients stated that it was without hesitation or with little hesitation. Our overall conclusion is that the sound quality of bone-anchored hearing aids is satisfactory when it comes to clarity and overall impression. However, it may be expected that these patients with conductive losses get a better sound quality than other patients with sensorineural losses if the same type of aid is used.

Note: Article A Ringdahl, Sahlgrens Univ Hosp, Dept Audiol, S-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden

Keyword(s): hearing rehabilitation; bone-anchored hearing system; sound-quality; paired comparisons; DIFFERENT FREQUENCY RESPONSES. Adolescence. Adult. Aged. Comparative Study. Equipment Design. Hearing Aids. Hearing Loss, Conductive/rehabilitation. Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/rehabilitation. Human. Middle Age

Zurück | Weiter