Question
I have heard that the font end limiter or input limiter of a hearing aid set too low by the hearing aid manufacturer can result in music being clipped due to its higher dynamic range compared to music. Is there a way I can test a hearing aid to see if it is limiting for music inputs?
Answer
There is a way to check this as recommended by Chasin (2006) using your hearing aid test box. Based on previous research, anything lower than a peak input limiting level of 105 dB SPL will result in significant distortion for music. Chasin (2006) suggests this "quick and dirty" method for checking a hearing aid.
Step 1. Set the aid to have a high maximum output (>115 dB) Step 2. Set the aid to have low gain (5-8 dB) Step 3. Place the aid in a test box and apply an intense signal (e.g. 100 dB SPL)
You should not see any peak clipping as the output level is set greater than 115 dB as set in Step 1. This assumes the hearing aid has an input limiter that is not set too low for music. If you see distortion greater than 10%, then the hearing aid probably has an input limiter that is set too low for music.
References
Chasin, M. (2006). Hearing aids for musicians. The Hearing Review, 13(3), 24-31.
Dr. Dybala is an audiologist and the President and Editor-in-Chief of Audiology Online, the world leader in online hearing health education and information.
Paul Dybala
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