Self-Fitting Hearing Aids : State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Trends

Ruiyu Liang,Cairong Zou,Qingyun Wang 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of u- and e- Service, Scienc Vol.9 No.8

The global aging leads to a dramatic increase in the demand for hearing aid. However, the lack of hearing care institutions and hearing professionals makes high price of hearing aids, which hinders the widespread use of hearing aids, especially in the developing countries and the remote areas of developed countries. Compared to the teleaudiology, the self-fitting hearing aid can be installed, fitted, and managed by the users themselves. The whole process hardly needs any professionals and special equipments. Although the research of self-fitting hearing aids is in its infancy, it has significant theoretical value and application prospect. At present, except for some commercial attempts to the self-fitting hearing aids, there are still some problems to be imminently solved. In this survey paper, an overview of the state of the art and prototype design for the self-fitting hearing aid is provided. Then, the challenges for self-fitting hearing aids are discussed. Finally, the future trends of self-fitting hearing aids are prospected.

보청기 지원체계에 대한 인식에 영향을 미치는 요인 분석

장정현,홍창의,박준철,최정규,최현승 대한이비인후과학회 2017 대한이비인후과학회지 두경부외과학 Vol.60 No.8

Background and Objectives Hearing disability has a negative impact on the psychological condition and the quality of life of patients, as well as their daily lives. This study tries to identify the relationship between personal perception of the national supporting system for hearing aids and the satisfaction of the supporting system on the part of users, suppliers and specialists. Subjects and Method A total of seven questions were developed to identify factors that can affect the satisfaction of national supporting system for hearing aids. We surveyed hearing aids users, suppliers, and specialist; the final sample included 455 subjects. Results Determinants of satisfaction were adequacy of accepted durability of hearing aids, accessibility to relevant information, necessity of graded financial support by type of hearing aids, necessity of supporting repair cost and necessity of graded financial support by kind of disability rating. According to the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, subjects who answered that accepted durability of hearing aids [odd ratio (OR): 2.03, confidence interval (CI): 1.14-3.60] and accessibility to information (OR: 4.82, CI: 2.65-8.78) were proper showed tendency to be satisfied with support system for hearing aids. The subjects who answered that graded financial support by kind of hearing aids (OR: 1.98, CI: 1.10-3.59) and graded financial support by kind of disability rating (OR: 1.91 CI: 1.07-3.42) were necessary showed tendency to satisfy with support system for hearing aids. Conclusion In order to enhance satisfaction in stakeholder perceptions of supporting system for hearing aids, the system needs provide users with better access to relevant information and help in the use and management of the hearing-aid device. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2017;60(8):381-9

Clinical Reasons for Returning Hearing Aids

홍주영,오인환,정태석,김태현,강호민,여승근 대한청각학회 2014 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.18 No.1

Background and Objectives: Increases in older aged populations and exposure to complicated noise environments have increased the number of hearing-impaired patients, creating greater demands for hearing aids. We have assessed the reasons that individuals rejected wearing and returned properly prescribed hearing aids, as well as differences in individual factors between younger and elderly adults. Subjects and Methods: Of 1138 patients for whom hearing aids were prescribed at Kyung Hee University Medical Center Hearing Aid Clinic, 81 (6.14%) returned their hearing aids, including 36 patients aged <65 years and 45 aged ≥65 years. Patient-related, hearing-related, and hearing aid-related factors were assessed by retrospective chart analysis and phone survey and compared in the two groups. Results: The primary symptoms reported by the 81 patients who returned their hearing aids were hearing disturbance, ringing, and fullness in the ear, in that order and in both groups. The rate of hearing aid return was similar in elderly females and males (p=0.288). The spondee recognition threshold was significantly higher in younger than in elderly adults (63.3±14.0 dB vs. 55.6±14.74 dB, p=0.019), but the hearing aid return rate was highest in patients with moderate hearing loss in both groups. In evaluating the reasons for return of hearing aids, we found that ineffectiveness of the device was the most frequent reason, accounting for 32.0% of returns, the highest percentage in both groups, with the most frequent patient problem caused by management difficulty in elderly and financial difficulty in younger adults. Conclusions: The reasons for hearing aid return were different in two groups. Financial considerations were cited more by younger adults, while difficulties in managing hearing aids were cited more frequently by elderly adults. Patients in both groups, however, reported that the most frequent reasons for return were inadequate hearing improvement and inconvenience wearing the hearing aid due to noise amplification.

인공중이와 보청기가 인지기능 향상에 미치는 영향의 비교

김춘동,조현상,양영순,백훈희,임성환,박혜미,최가을,최은주,김신애 대한이비인후과학회 2017 대한이비인후과학회지 두경부외과학 Vol.60 No.12

Background and Objectives The association between hearing impairment and cognitive function has been established in previous studies. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of conventional hearing aids and middle ear implants on cognitive function. Subjects and Method This study included 22 participants who underwent middle ear implantation between October 2013 and September 2016. Their mean age at surgery was 70 years. Using Pure tone audiometry (PTA), the Speech discrimination test (SDT), and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, we compared audiologic benefits of three conditions [without hearing aids, with conventional hearing aids, or with Vibrant Sound bridge (VSB)]. Cognitive ability was evaluated using neuropsychological testings (Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery) at intervals of approximately eight weeks. Results The results of PTA showed a 7.96 dB HL gain with conventional hearing aids and a 10.00 dB HL gain with the use of VSB. SDT results showed a 4.10% gain with conventional hearing aids and a 10% gain with the use of VSB. Results of the APHAB questionnaire showed a significant increase with the use of VSB compared to conventional hearing aids. In the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, a slight improvement was observed after middle ear implantation. In the Digit Span Test and Korean-Boston Naming Test, a significant improvement was seen with the use of VSB compared to conventional hearing aids. Conclusion The use of middle ear implants in rehabilitation of hearing communication in patients showed improvements in cognitive abilities, compared to the use of conventional hearing aids. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2017;60(12):633-9

Positive, Neutral, and Negative Connotations Associatedwith Social Representation of ‘Hearing Loss’ and‘Hearing Aids’

Vinaya Manchaiah,Gretchen Stein,Berth Danermark,Per Germundsson 대한청각학회 2015 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.19 No.3

Background and Objectives: In our previous studies we explored the social representation of hearing loss and hearing aids. In this study we aimed at exploring if the positive, neutral and negative connotations associated with the social representation of hearing loss' and hearing aids' for the same categories vary across countries. In addition, we also looked at if there is an association between connotations and demographic variables. Subjects and Methods: A total of 404 individuals from four countries were asked to indicate the words and phrases that comes to mind when they think about hearing loss' and hearing aids'. They also indicated if the words and phrases they reported had positive, neutral or negative association, which were analyzed and reported in this paper. Results: There are considerable differences among the countries in terms of positive, neutral and negative associations report for each category in relation to hearing loss and hearing aids. However, there is limited connection between demographic variables and connotations reported in different countries. Conclusions: These results suggesting that the social representation about the phenomenon hearing loss and hearing aids are relatively stable within respondents of each country. Background and Objectives: In our previous studies we explored the social representation of hearing loss and hearing aids. In this study we aimed at exploring if the positive, neutral and negative connotations associated with the social representation of hearing loss' and hearing aids' for the same categories vary across countries. In addition, we also looked at if there is an association between connotations and demographic variables. Subjects and Methods: A total of 404 individuals from four countries were asked to indicate the words and phrases that comes to mind when they think about hearing loss' and hearing aids'. They also indicated if the words and phrases they reported had positive, neutral or negative association, which were analyzed and reported in this paper. Results: There are considerable differences among the countries in terms of positive, neutral and negative associations report for each category in relation to hearing loss and hearing aids. However, there is limited connection between demographic variables and connotations reported in different countries. Conclusions: These results suggesting that the social representation about the phenomenon hearing loss and hearing aids are relatively stable within respondents of each country.

General Framework of Hearing Aid Fitting Management

오수희,이정학 대한청각학회 2016 Journal of Audiology & Otology Vol.20 No.1

Hearing aids are one of the most widely used treatment options for the hearing impaired and optimal outcomes of hearing aids are supported by comprehensive hearing aid fitting protocols. Currently, the term ‘hearing aid fitting’ is prevalently used among service and industry sectors with its comprehensive procedures not systematically explicated. In addition, a variety of non-normalized guidelines for hearing aid fitting has led to non-uniform care, outcome variability, and dissatisfaction of the use of hearing aids. The main purpose of the present study is to suggest a general framework of standardized practice for hearing aid fitting management including its pre- and post-fitting stages. The management framework centers on its fitting process with its prior steps of assessment as well as its posterior steps of followup, thereby eliminating diverging interpretations and non-uniform practices. Outcomes of this study are also expected to improve potential benefits such as quality of hearing aid fitting, user satisfaction, and cost effectiveness across relevant stakeholders Hearing aids are one of the most widely used treatment options for the hearing impaired and optimal outcomes of hearing aids are supported by comprehensive hearing aid fitting protocols. Currently, the term ‘hearing aid fitting’ is prevalently used among service and industry sectors with its comprehensive procedures not systematically explicated. In addition, a variety of non-normalized guidelines for hearing aid fitting has led to non-uniform care, outcome variability, and dissatisfaction of the use of hearing aids. The main purpose of the present study is to suggest a general framework of standardized practice for hearing aid fitting management including its pre- and post-fitting stages. The management framework centers on its fitting process with its prior steps of assessment as well as its posterior steps of followup, thereby eliminating diverging interpretations and non-uniform practices. Outcomes of this study are also expected to improve potential benefits such as quality of hearing aid fitting, user satisfaction, and cost effectiveness across relevant stakeholders.

Is Cognitive Function in Adults with Hearing Impairment Improved by the Use of Hearing Aids?

최아영,심현준,이성희,윤상원,주은정 대한이비인후과학회 2011 Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Vol.4 No.2

Objectives. In the present study, we investigated whether speech-related cognitive function and speech recognition ability under background noise in adults with hearing impairment are improved with the use of hearing aids. Methods. Participants were recruited from the ENT Department of Eulji Hospital from September 2008 to July 2009. The study group comprised 18 participants (mean age, 69.5±8.3 years) with sensorineural hearing loss who were fitted with hearing aids, and the control group comprised 11 participants of equivalent age (mean age, 63.1±11.8 years) who were not fitted with hearing aids. All participants were assessed using the computerized Korean visual verbal learning test (VVLT) and words-in-noise (WIN) test prior to fitting of hearing aids for the study group and initially for the control group. Both groups were reassessed in both tests after 6 months. For each group, differences in the results between the two assessments were compared using the Friedman test. Results. There was no difference in mean age between the study group and control group. In the study group, total VVLT score (reflecting short-term memory) was significantly improved from before hearing aid use to 6 months after hearing aid use (P<0.05), and VVLT recognition score (reflecting learning ability) was also significantly improved from before hearing aid use to 6 months after hearing aid use (P<0.05), but there was no change in the control group. For VVLT latency score (reflecting efficiency of memory) and speech discrimination score in the WIN test, no statistically significant difference was found between the initial and 6-month assessments in the study group or in the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion. The speech-related cognitive function of individuals with hearing impairment improved after using hearing aids. This finding indicates that hearing aids may induce acclimatization of the central auditory system.

이명이 있는 난청인의 보청기 착용으로 인한 이명재활의 효과

하여라(Yeo-ra Ha),방정화(Jung-hwa Bahng) 한국청각언어재활학회 2018 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.14 No.4

Purpose: Hearing aids are often prescribed for listeners who have hearing loss with tinnitus. This study investigated the effectiveness of hearing aids when managing tinnitus using Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI). Methods: A total of 50 new hearing aid users with tinnitus participated as the experimental group. As the control group, 26 non-hearing aid users with tinnitus also attended. Both groups had similar audiometric thresholds, age ranges, and tinnitus duration. To measure the effectiveness of hearing aids for managing tinnitus, the TMI was assessed at a pre-hearing aid fitting and then two weeks after that fitting. In the control group, TMI was measured at the twoweek interval, but without any tinnitus management. Results: TMI scores were significantly different at the pre-hearing aid fitting and the post-hearing aid fitting for the experimental group. However, in the control group, TMI scores were not significantly changed within two weeks. Further, 86% of new hearing aid users reported a subjective benefit for their tinnitus after using their hearing aids. Conclusion: Hearing aids can be a practical option for managing tinnitus for hearing impaired listeners with tinnitus.

난청인의 효율적인 보청기 오리엔테이션을 위한 시청각 DVD 도구의 개발

이동욱,박상원,지현효,최예림,이연지,한우재 한국청각언어재활학회 2014 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.10 No.1

One of successful audiological rehabilitations depends on whether new hearing aid users have strong motivation and also how well they understand comprehensive instructions, i.e., use, care, and limitations of the hearing aids. Although many audiologists allot as much as 30 ~ 40 min to explain about the hearing aid instructions during the first fitting appointment, new hearing aid users might forget most information provided by a healthcare professional. The purpose of the study is to help the hearing aid users remember the essential instructions through visual information of hearing aids orientation (HAO) DVD and thus continue to patient’s high satisfaction eventually even with decreasing counseling time in the clinic. First of all, we summarized small orientation books provided by 13 hearing aid companies and hearing centers. Based on the summary, two 8-min DVDs (e.g., BTE and CIC) of three sections including 1) insertion and removal of the hearing aids, 2) changing the battery, and 3) care and maintenance were developed. To see validity of the DVD, a total 80 sets of DVD and survey having 10 items were provided to four hearing centers in Seoul and near areas. Among them, sixty-nine sets were received and analyzed. Most of hearing-impaired responders were satisfied with auditory-visual information by this HAO DVD which provided better understand to the hearing aid wearers, although we need some modifications for public use. We expect that HAO DVD will aid successful audiological rehabilitation as well as hearing aid satisfaction.

A Study on Social Support of the Elderly with Noral Hearing and Elderly Wearing Hearing Aids

Do-Yun Kim,Junghwa Bahng 한국청각언어재활학회 2022 Audiology and Speech Research Vol.18 No.2

Purpose: This study investigates the social support in both elderly who wear hearing aids and elderly who do not report any hearing loss. Methods: The study subjects were 48 seniors age 65 or older who wore hearing aids and 48 seniors who did not wear hearing aids. A Lubben social network scales survey was conducted. The Korean Version of International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids, Puretone Audiometry, and Word Recognition Score tests were carried out on the elderly who were wearing hearing aids. Results: A statistical analysis represented that the total social support scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Of all the social support factors, social network was statistically significant between the groups (p < 0.05), but social support was not statistically significant. The correlation between social support and the degree of hearing loss was not statistically significant. Further, there were no significant relationships found for the social support of older adults’ wearing hearing aids and satisfaction with hearing overall, and the level of social support. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that users hearing aid users have a smaller social network than those who do not wear hearing aids. However, this result can be interpreted as an independent factor regarding satisfaction with hearing aid use and the degree of hearing. As a follow-up study, it will be necessary to proceed to study the diversity of the background factors for those elderly who do have hearing loss.