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DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082939
Effect of Output Limiting Levels upon the Speech Perception Skills of Congenitally Hearing Impaired Adolescents
Publication History
Publication Date:
01 August 2008 (online)
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Abstract
The present study investigated the impact of different output-limiting levels on the speech-perception skills of three severely hearing-impaired adolescents. It also explored the impact of reducing SSPL settings on aided sound-field thresholds and hearing-aid gain. AGCo settings were gradually decreased using the participant's own programmable hearing aids. At each SSPL setting, speech perception was measured in quiet using a computer based 50-item CNC word test. Changes in aided sound-field thresholds, gain, and SPLograms were also measured. Speech-perception scores decreased with reductions in SSPL settings, with the most marked deterioration occurring at the lowest SSPL settings. Inspection of speech SPLograms indicated that these students were able to achieve maximum speech perception over a wide dynamic range; however, as the dynamic range became more limited, speechperception skills began to deteriorate. Reduced SSPL produced a reduction in gain. When the gain reductions reduced the aided articulation index to about 0.4, a significant reduction in speech perception was observed.
Keywords:
Output limiting - speech perception - dynamic range