May 2011 – Evaluation of Hearing Aid Noise Reduction Technology

This study is currently recruiting participants.

From time to time, our office is asked to conduct hearing aid studies by various hearing aid manufacturers. In addition, we occasionally conduct studies on our own to supplement the research conducted by the manufacturers.

Currently, we are conducting a study evaluating a new noise reduction technology. GN Resound, one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, recently released a new hearing device. This device is using a brand new type of noise reduction technology – one that analyzes the environment and applies a different amount of noise suppression, depending on what types of sounds are present. The manufacturer has concluded that this type of noise reduction is superior in a lab environment, but very little research has been conducted in the real world. This study is being conducted to determine if the new noise reduction technology is noticeably superior in the real world.

Eligible participants should be:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Experiencing some hearing difficulties
  • If currently wearing hearing aids, the aids should be at least two years old
    (prior hearing aid experience is NOT required)

Following a comprehensive hearing evaluation (provided as part of the study), you will be asked to wear the hearing devices for a period of approximately 30 days.The hearing aids will be programmed to incorporate different types of noise reduction. You will be asked to complete a brief survey three times – reporting on overall benefit and performance in noisy situations.

At the end of the study, you will have the opportunity to purchase the hearing devices at a significant discount. Of course, this is an opportunity – not a requirement. You may simply give back the hearing devices, with our sincere thanks for participating in the study.
We are looking for approximately 20-30 participants.

If you are interested, please call Cyndy at 410-569-5999 to enroll in the study or request additional information.

————————-

This is a 30 day hearing aid study.

Day 1 – Hearing Aid Fitting (1 hour)

Participants will be fit with one or two high-end, receiver-in-the-ear BTE hearing aids.  The hearing aids will be programmed using the NAL-NL1 prescriptive formula, but modified for patient comfort.  The hearing aids will be programmed to use one of two types of noise reduction technologies (NR1 or NR2).  Participants will be instructed about care and maintenance of the devices, and they will leave the office with the hearing aids – with the intent to wear them at least 8 hours per day during the next 30 days.  An modified APHAB questionnaire will be completed.

Day 8 – Comfort/Clarity Adjustments (30 min)

Participants will return to the office for hearing aid adjustments, based on their experience in the real world.  No adjustments to the noise reduction technology will be made at this time.  After this appointment, no additional adjustments will be made to the hearing aids for the duration of the study, with the exception of the noise reduction change on Day 18.

Day 18 – Noise Reduction Change (15 min)

The noise reduction technology type will be switched.  (From NR1 to NR2 or from NR2 to NR1)  A modified APHAB questionnaire will be filled out for a second time.

Day 30 – End of Study (30 min)

The modified APHAB questionnaire will be filled out for a final time.  Participants will have the opportunity to purchase the hearing devices at a significant discount.  If the research model is not ideal for the participant’s needs, discounts will be offered for other hearing aid models of the same manufacturer.  Participants may also simply return the hearing aids with our sincere thanks for participating in our study.

————————-

If you are interested in enrolling in the study, or if you have any questions, please call Cyndy at 410-569-5999.