Digital processing technology for bone-anchored hearing aids: randomised comparison of two devices in hearing aid users with mixed or conductive hearing loss.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study compared the performance of two new bone-anchored hearing aids with older bone-anchored hearing aids that were not fully digital.

METHODS:

Fourteen experienced bone-anchored hearing aid users participated in this cross-over study. Performance of their existing bone-anchored hearing aid was assessed using speech-in-noise testing and questionnaires. Participants were then fitted with either a Ponto Pro or a BP100 device. After four weeks of use with each new device, the same assessments were repeated.

RESULTS:

Speech-in-noise testing for the 50 per cent signal-to-noise ratio (the ratio at which 50 per cent of responses were correct) showed no significant differences between the Ponto Pro and the BP100 devices (p = 0.1) However, both devices showed significant improvement compared with the participants' previous bone-anchored hearing aid devices (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two new devices in the questionnaire data.

CONCLUSION:

Both fully digital bone-anchored hearing aids demonstrated superior speech processing compared with the previous generation of devices. There were no substantial differences between the two digital devices in either objective or subjective tests.

• Authors: P Hill-Feltham, S A Roberts, R Gladdis
• Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol) Vol. 128 Issue 2 Pg. 119-27 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 1748-5460 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24524414 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cross-Over Studies
• Female
• Hearing Aids
• Hearing Loss, Conductive (therapy)
• Hearing Loss, Mixed Conductive-Sensorineural (therapy)
• Hearing Tests
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Speech Perception
• Surveys and Questionnaires