Hearing Aid Processing and Working Memory in Realistic Spatial Conditions

Investigating the Relationship Between Directional Microphones, Compression, and Working Memory in Realistic Spatial Conditions.

The goal of this project is to determine whether the selection of hearing aid settings should be based in part on an individual's cognitive characteristics (specifically, working memory). We anticipate the outcomes of this study to be applicable to realistic listening conditions.

Hearing aids have specialized features to improve access to sounds for the hearing-impaired listener. The choice of appropriate hearing aid settings is integral to the hearing rehabilitative process. Researchers and clinicians have been influenced by previous work showing that individual cognitive abilities, including working memory, are associated with hearing aid benefit, especially in adverse listening conditions. However, previous research is limited to omnidirectional microphone settings and unrealistic listening conditions. Such conditions fail to recognize that most hearing aids are fit with directional processing that may improve the listening environment, and that typical environments contain speech and noise signals in a range of spatial locations. Therefore, the broad goal of this research is to understand how patient variables interact with hearing aid signal processing in realistic listening conditions in order to effectively treat hearing-impaired individuals in communications situations that are most important to them.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > =18 years of age; any sex
• Sensorineural hearing loss with pure-tone thresholds between 25-70 decibel hearing level (dB HL) at octave frequencies between 250 and 3000 Hz
• Speak English as their primary language
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision (<=20/50)
• Participants will be in good health (self-report)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically significant unstable or progressive medical conditions
• Participants who score < 23 on the cognitive screening test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
• Evidence of conductive hearing loss or middle ear issues
• Significant history of otologic or neurologic disorders
• Evidence of significant asymmetry between ears
• Non-English-speaking or non-native English speaking