In new research Ruth Bentler, P.D. of the University of Iowa found no difference in speech perception ability for hearing aid users due to the type of digital noise reduction or the type digital processor settings. Dr. Bentler found “what did matter was the amount of audibility provided” by basic amplification. She also found that while digital noise reduction improved comfort and “quality” of sound to wearers, it did not improve speech comprehension performance. Dr. Bentler concluded “once optimal audibility is achieved for a given individual, it remains debatable whether further fine-tuning will enhance communication for that listener.” So if we can know if audibility is achieved to technological and physiological limits, then we know the fitting is correct and maximum benefit possible is achieved. This is where we want all hearing aid fittings to be.
Speechmapping is a new testing system enabling us to precisely measure the bottom line audibility capacity of a hearing aid for speech presentation to the ear. It measures the combined effects of the hearing aid, earmold, tubing or receiver, ear anatomy including the unique resonance capacity of that ear. A Speechmapping Real Ear computer system is not the same as the computer used to “program” a hearing aid. Both are used together. Local audiologist Randall Bartlett reports “Speechmapping has allowed the most significant advance in fitting methods in 15 years” and now uses it in all of his fittings. Mr. Bartlett has observed in most cases where patients complain of hearing aid performance deficiency “Speechmapping reveals the problem, right there on the screen for all to see. And when we know what the bottom line problem is, we have an opportunity to address it.”
Audiologist Randall Bartlett has developed a new service using Speechmapping to detect gaps in hearing aid performance, and to apply corrective programming when possible. He calls the procedure “Hearing Aid Optimization.” It requires use of recent hearing test results, a programming computer, a second Speechmapping Real Ear probe microphone measurement system, and takes 30 to 45 minutes per hearing aid to complete. Randall Bartlett commented: “It’s amazing to see the results of reprogramming using Speechmapping. For some patients, it’s just like getting a new hearing aid, without having to buy one!”
In September, Audiology Services of Newhall celebrated its 30th year in business in the Santa Clarita Valley. For more information on Hearing Aid Optimization for old hearing aids, or new hearing aids fitted using Speechmapping, contact Randall Bartlett, M.A, Audiologist of Audiology Services of Newhall at 661-259-1687. They are located at 23033 Lyons Avenue, Suite 3 in Newhall. See the web site at www.hearwell.net .