Central Auditory Processing and the Use of Hearing Aids

Evaluation of the Central Auditory Processing in Patients (Elder Than 45 Years Old) With Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss and the Change of the Central Auditory Processing Ability by the Use of Hearing Aids (CAPHA)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the central auditory processing in patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and to observe the change of the central auditory processing ability after using hearing aids.

Screening for recruiting

• Among patients who are visiting for hearing disturbance, patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss will be included after audiologic tests, history taking and physical examination.
• audiologic tests: pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, impedence audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emission, auditory brainstem response.

Dividing into "Hearing aids" group and "No hearing aids" group

• The use of hearing aids will be recommended to all included patients.
• Hearing aids group: patients who want to be prescribed hearing aids (28 subjects)
• No hearing aids group: patients who do not want to be prescribed hearing aids (28 subjects)

Audiologic test

• Hearing in noise test (HINT), central auditory processing disorder test
• at screening, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after starting hearing aids use

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults of age 45 years of older
• Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
• Average pure tone audiometry threshold >= 40dB
• Speech discrimination >= 60% in both ears

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusing the study
• Medical history of any brain damage or intracranial surgery
• Showing signs of central lesion in MRI or neurologic exams
• Speech discrimination < 60% in any ear