Is complex signal processing for bone conduction hearing aids useful?

Kompis, Martin; Kurz, Anja; Pfiffner, Flurin; Senn, Pascal; Arnold, Andreas Michael; Caversaccio, Marco (2014). Is complex signal processing for bone conduction hearing aids useful? Cochlear implants international : an interdisciplinary journal, 15(Suppl 1), S47-S50. Maney 10.1179/1467010014Z.000000000167

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OBJECTIVES

To establish whether complex signal processing is beneficial for users of bone anchored hearing aids.

METHODS

Review and analysis of two studies from our own group, each comparing a speech processor with basic digital signal processing (either Baha Divino or Baha Intenso) and a processor with complex digital signal processing (either Baha BP100 or Baha BP110 power). The main differences between basic and complex signal processing are the number of audiologist accessible frequency channels and the availability and complexity of the directional multi-microphone noise reduction and loudness compression systems.

RESULTS

Both studies show a small, statistically non-significant improvement of speech understanding in quiet with the complex digital signal processing. The average improvement for speech in noise is +0.9 dB, if speech and noise are emitted both from the front of the listener. If noise is emitted from the rear and speech from the front of the listener, the advantage of the devices with complex digital signal processing as opposed to those with basic signal processing increases, on average, to +3.2 dB (range +2.3 … +5.1 dB, p ≤ 0.0032).

DISCUSSION

Complex digital signal processing does indeed improve speech understanding, especially in noise coming from the rear. This finding has been supported by another study, which has been published recently by a different research group.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared to basic digital signal processing, complex digital signal processing can increase speech understanding of users of bone anchored hearing aids. The benefit is most significant for speech understanding in noise.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	04 Faculty of Medicine > Department of Head Organs and Neurology (DKNS) > Clinic of Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders (ENT)
UniBE Contributor:	Kompis, Martin, Kurz, Anja, Pfiffner, Flurin, Senn, Pascal, Arnold, Andreas Michael, Caversaccio, Marco
Subjects:	600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
ISSN:	1467-0100
Publisher:	Maney
Language:	English
Submitter:	Lilian Tschan
Date Deposited:	20 Mar 2015 11:00
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:44
Publisher DOI:	10.1179/1467010014Z.000000000167
PubMed ID:	24869443
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bone anchored hearing aids, Complex signal processing
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/65625