Effect of Degrees of Hearing Impairment on Spectral Profile Analysis Thresholds among Hearing Aid Users

Abstract

The study examined the impact of sensorineural hearing loss severity on auditory stream segregation using spectral profile analysis with a digital eight-channel behind-the-ear hearing aid. Thirty adults (18-50 years old) were divided into three groups (n = 10/group) based on hearing loss degree (mild, moderate, moderately severe). Profile analysis thresholds were measured at four frequencies (0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, 0.75 kHz, and 1 kHz). Data analysis using SPSS 20.0 revealed that participants with mild hearing loss exhibited superior profile analysis scores across all frequencies compared to the moderate and moderately severe groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference in profile analysis thresholds at 500 Hz between the mild and moderate groups and between the mild and moderately severe groups. However, no significant differences were observed at other frequencies. Notably, no significant variations in profile analysis thresholds were found within each group across frequencies. This suggests that the multi-channel hearing aid might not fully address the diminished frequency selectivity associated with cochlear damage. These findings emphasize the importance of individualised hearing aid fittings and expose the constraints of current hearing aid technology in managing the intricacies of cochlear hearing loss. Future research should explore advanced hearing aid algorithms and adaptable strategies to improve auditory processing for individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss.