Journal of Audiology & Otology

The Korean Audiology Society (대한청각학회)
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The Influence of Non-Linear Frequency Compression on the Perception of Speech and Music in Patients with High Frequency Hearing Loss

  • Ahn, Jungmin (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Choi, Ji Eun (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dankook University Hospital) ;
  • Kang, Ju Yong (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Choi, Ik Joon (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Myung-Chul (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Byeong-Cheol (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea Cancer Center Hospital) ;
  • Hong, Sung Hwa (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • Moon, Il Joon (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2020.06.09
  • Accepted : 2020.11.10
  • Published : 2021.04.20
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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Non-linear frequency compression (NLFC) technology compresses and shifts higher frequencies into a lower frequency area that has better residual hearing. Because consonants are uttered in the high-frequency area, NLFC could provide better speech understanding. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of NLFC technology on the perception of speech and music in patients with high-frequency hearing loss. Subjects and Methods: Twelve participants with high-frequency hearing loss were tested in a counter-balanced order, and had two weeks of daily experience with NLFC set on/off prior to testing. Performance was repeatedly evaluated with consonant tests in quiet and noise environments, speech perception in noise, music perception and acceptableness of sound quality rating tasks. Additionally, two questionnaires (the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit and the Korean version of the International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids) were administered. Results: Consonant and speech perception improved with hearing aids (NLFC on/off conditions), but there was no significant difference between NLFC on and off states. Music perception performances revealed no notable difference among unaided and NLFC on and off states. The benefits and satisfaction ratings between NLFC on and off conditions were also not significantly different, based on questionnaires, however great individual variability preferences were noted. Conclusions: Speech perception as well as music perception both in quiet and noise environments was similar between NLFC on and off states, indicating that real world benefits from NLFC technology may be limited in Korean adult hearing aid users.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank all subjects who participated in this study and our colleagues at the Hearing Research Lab in Samsung Medical Center for performing the auditory tests.

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