Exploration of the Functional Effect of Different Hearing Aid Noise Reduction Algorithms in an Ecologically Valid Conversational Situation

Exploration of the Functional Effect of Different Hearing Aid Noise Reduction Algorithms in an Ecologically Valid Conversational Situation

A methodical evaluation of sound changing principles in CE-labelled Sonova brand hearing instruments (e.g. Phonak hearing instruments) is intended to be conducted on hearing impaired participants. These sound changing principles are enabled by respective hearing instrument technologies and hearing instrument algorithms. The aim of the study is to investigate and asses strength and weaknesses of these novel sound changing principles in terms of hearing performance to determine their application in hearing instruments (Phase of development). Objective laboratory measurements as well as subjective ratings will be carried out. This will be a controlled, single blinded and randomized active comparator clinical evaluation which will be conducted mono centric at Sonova AG Headquarter based in Stäfa.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Good written and spoken German language skills
• No suffering from any speech disorders
• Experienced hearing aid user (min. 6 months)
• Ability to stand and walk during the experiment
• Ability to fill in a questionnaire conscientiously
• Ability to produce a reliable hearing test result
• Ability to describe listening experiences/impressions
• The audiogram is in the fitting range of the hearing aid
• The audiogram is in the range of mild to moderate hearing losses (N2 - N4)
• Hearing loss in both ears
• Informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications to the medical device
• Unaidable hearing loss in one or both ears
• Acute tinnitus (in either one ear and occurrence for less than 3 months)
• Anatomical deformity of one or both ears
• Single-sided deafness
• Unwillingness to wear the investigational device during the investigational visits
• Active pacemaker implant
• Ear canals are too narrow to take ear impressions
• Ear canals are too narrow for the use of customized earpieces
• Uncomfortable loudness threshold less than 80 dB for at least one measured frequency
• Known hypersensitivity or allergy against synthetic materials
• Acute symptoms of vertigo or dizziness
• Reported Parkinson's disease