MM311 - The Role of Conversational Behaviors in Hearing Aid Fitting

Abstract: In the last decade, the perceived benefit of wearing hearing aids has increased significantly. This mini-module reviews recently published research on the key elements of conversational behaviors, how those behaviors change as hearing loss declines and people age. Additionally, the mini-module discusses how hearing aid algorithms can leverage this research.

Summary:

In the last decade, the perceived benefit of wearing hearing aids has increased significantly. In a 2022 study, the share of people who said their hearing aids improved their quality of life rose to 64 percent, from less than 50 percent in 2015.

And while that’s great news, those who experience hearing loss continue to report an ongoing challenge, whether they wear hearing aids or not: they have a hard time following group conversations. Hearing aid algorithms have historically had the primary focus on suppressing noise and then preserving speech within a defined directional polar plot. This approach provides access to one-on-one conversation, but may not provide as much benefit in dynamic conversations with multiple conversation partners. 

This mini-module reviews recently published research on the key elements of conversational behaviors, how those behaviors change as hearing loss declines and people age. Additionally, the mini-module discusses how hearing aid algorithms can leverage this research to provide benefit in group conversations.