Optimization of Perceived Sound Quality for Music Listening in Hearing Aid Users With Hearing Loss.

OPTIMisation de la qualité Sonore perçue Pour l'écoute de la MUSIque Chez Les Malentendants appareillés

This study aims to optimize music listening quality for 66 hearing aid users (33 musicians and 33 non-musician music enthusiasts) by developing a dedicated "Music Program" based on individual frequency preference profiles. We will evaluate the program's efficacy by comparing listening quality and emotional response scores against standard settings, while also investigating correlations with music reward sensitivity. We hypothesize that the customized program will yield significant improvements, with a more pronounced benefit observed in the musician group.

Inclusion Criteria:

For all participants:

• Aged 18 years or older,
• Fitted with hearing aids for at least 6 months,
• Reporting dissatisfaction with music listening while using their hearing aids.

For musician participants:

• Defined as instrumentalists or knowledgeable music enthusiasts engaging in daily music practice for a minimum of 4 hours.

For non-musician participants:

• Defined as individuals without formal musical training who listen to music for at least one hour per day

Exclusion Criteria:

• Asymmetric hearing loss (pure-tone audiometry showing a difference between the two ears > 15 dB)
• Irregular use of hearing aids: < 4 hours per day