Question
Question: When my patients purchase premium hearing aid technology with noise reduction and the latest directional microphone systems, I have trouble counseling them that further assistance, such as the use of a wireless transmission system, may be needed. Any advice?
Answer
As you know, in noisy environments, understanding speech when wearing hearing aids can be extremely difficult. Data from Kochkin (2010) show that 38% of the hearing aid users are dissatisfied with the performance of their hearing aid in noisy environments, and 44% of hearing aid users are dissatisfied with their hearing aids in larger groups.
Although hearing aids today are more technologically advanced, it remains difficult to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by more than 3-6 dB with a hearing aid alone (Pumford et al., 2000). In noisy environments, and when a speaker is at a distance from the listener, wireless sound transmission is unmatched in improving the listening experience. Sanford and Kierkhaefer (2002) have reported that wireless sound transmission systems have the potential to improve the SNR by as much as 15-18 dB. In addition, traditional hearing aids have a relatively small receptive area due to the microphone size and location. Hearing aid users often cannot continually position themselves to optimally receive a desired signal. (Ross, 2004). In dynamic listening situations, the distance between listener and speaker can increase unpredictably, simultaneously decreasing the SNR and introducing significant ambient noise into the conversation. When the speaker's voice is transmitted directly to the hearing aid by means of a wireless sound transmission system, the distance between speaker and listener is effectively reduced and the SNR significantly increased (Arlinger, 1999).
In addition to providing your patients with this information, and counseling realistically regarding the benefits of hearing instruments, it is often helpful to demonstrate wireless transmission systems such as the Comfort Digisystem from Comfort Audio, in your office. The Comfort Digisystem with Secure Stream Technology (SST) can improve the SNR by 8 - 24 dB depending on the environment, without transmission noise, with minimal distortion and with low energy consumption. SST technology provides crystal clear, eavesdrop-secure sound transmission, in less than half a millisecond. By having patients experience the benefits of these systems via a demonstration, you will find that many patients are much more receptive to adapting the technology.
Thank you for your question. More information about the Comfort Digisystem with SST can be found at: https://www.comfortaudio.com/us/ or the Comfort Audio web channel on AudiologyOnline.
References
Kochkin, S. (2010). MarkeTrak VIII: Consumer satisfaction with hearing aids is slowly increasing. Hearing Journal, 63(1), 19 - 20,22,24,26,28,30-32.
Ross, M. (2004, February). Listening with a ''third ear'' - FM systems. AudiologyOnline, Article 561. Retrieved from: /articles/article_detail.asp?article_id=561
Pumford, J.M., Seewald, R.C., Scollie, S.D., Jensted, L.M. (2000). Speech recognition with in-the-ear and behind-the-ear dual-microphone hearing instruments. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 11(1), 23 - 35.
Sanford, M. J. & Kierkhaefer, B. (2002, May). Adults' use of FM systems: Subjective benefit by adult users. Hearing Review. Retrieved from: https://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2002-05_02.asp
Anna Karlsson Lejon has a master's degree in Audiology from Lund University, Sweden. She has clinical experience in hospitals and private clinics in Sweden. Anna currently works an audiological product specialist at Comfort Audio AB, Sweden.