Month: May 2009

How Can Digital Signal Processing Help Musicians?

Hard-of-hearing musicians have special needs that are not always met by hearing aid technology. This article illustrates how clinical choices, state-of-the-art digital signal processor (DSP) systems, and advanced DSP software engineering improved the music listening experience for three musicians. A continuation from HR’s special issues in February and March on Musicians and Hearing Aid Design co-edited by Marshall Chasin, AuD, and Larry Revit, MS.

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Directionality and Noise Reduction in Pediatric Fittings

There are few amplification-related topics that generate greater differences of opinion than the issue of the application of advanced signal processing, such as automatic directionality and digital noise reduction, to pediatric hearing aid fittings. It is not that these systems are inherently inappropriate in hearing aids; rather, the concern is that these systems may disrupt access to important speech information that the developing child needs. This article reviews the decision-making process in applying directionality and noise-reduction features.

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Identifying Cochlear Implant Candidates in the Hearing Aid Dispensing Practice

Similar to hearing aids, the market penetration of cochlear implants is surprisingly low—the authors estimate it at around 10%. One of the key reasons is that many patients who fall within the current candidacy range are never referred for evaluation for a cochlear implant. And that can present problems for both the patient and for the dispensing professional. This article provides an update on the current expanded criteria for cochlear implant candidacy.

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