Tag: real ear measurement

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GN Launches Fitting Software with NAL-NL3 Prescription Formula

The new GN software makes the National Acoustic Laboratories’ next-generation formula available to hearing care professionals.

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MID-YEAR PRODUCT REVIEW: Hearing Aid Fitting and Diagnostic Equipment

A mid-year review of hearing aid verification and real-ear measurement systems, audiometry, live speech mapping, otoscopes, and modular fitting systems. Also featured are tympanometers, OAE and ABR test equipment, cognitive assessment, and pediatric VRA equipment.

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Using autoREMfit for Hearing Aid Fitting and Verification: Evidence of Accuracy and Reliability

This clinical study by John Pumford, AuD, and Gus Mueller, PhD, examines the new autoREMfit application of Audioscan VerifitLINK as integrated into Signia Connexx hearing aid fitting software. The results reveal good fit-to-target accuracy (RMSE ~2 dB; 65 dB SPL input) for two different audiograms and coupling systems. Test-retest reliability was excellent with values no greater than 1 dB at any frequency. Clinical benefits of this autoREMfit collaboration are discussed.

A Comparison of Automated Real-Ear and Traditional Hearing Aid Fitting Methods

by Stefani Kim | Oct 30, 2018 | Patient Fittings, Testing Equipment | 0

Several “autoREMfit” systems have been developed to assist in hearing aid fittings. This article evaluates a new fit-to-target platform, Audioscan’s VerifitLINK, that could be integrated into any manufacturer’s software, and documents its performance in target matching during hearing aid fitting.

Coupler and Real-Ear Performance between PSAPs and Hearing Aids

by Karl | Oct 23, 2018 | Over the Counter, Research | 0

Before jumping to the conclusion that any PSAP and/or future OTC hearing device would be suitable for the many different types of hearing losses, we need to look at their coupler and real-ear performance data. This study by Adam Voss, Kristi Oeding, AU Bankaitis, John Pumford, and Michael Valente suggests current PSAPs are suitable for mild losses only.

OTC: Let’s Get on the Same Page!

by Stefani Kim | Oct 5, 2018 | Over the Counter, Patient Fittings, Sensorineural, Testing & Diagnostics | 0

Now that we’ve defined (at minimum) what an OTC hearing device should look like, maybe it’s time to start defining a minimal standard for what a professional hearing aid fitting should look like.

New Study Shows 4 in 5 Patients Prefer Hearing Aid Fittings with REM

by Karl | Sep 24, 2018 | Patient Fittings | 0

Valente et al found that 79% of the study participants preferred the programmed fittings using REM versus the first-fit. They conclude that “Using a first-fit alone without reprogramming using REM is fitting hearing aids blindly and not determining whether the patient is being provided appropriate audibility for soft and average speech…The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser can never be certain if he/she is appropriately fitting the patient without using REM.”

OTC and AAA, ADA, IHS, and ASHA: Now That We’re All on the Same Page…

by Karl | Aug 24, 2018 | Continuing Education | 0

It’s time to clearly distinguish professional service from self-service by showing why licensed hearing care professionals can make a huge difference in hearing aid outcomes. Let’s commit to getting consumers a list of essentials by creating a voluntary standard protocol for every licensed professional who dispenses hearing aids. Let’s spell out what consumers should expect. And then let’s promote the hell out of it.

NAL, CAEPs, OTC Hearing Aids, and More: An Interview with Brent Edwards, PhD

by Stefani Kim | Jun 27, 2018 | Hearing Aids, People, Research | 1

Brent Edwards, PhD, who has recently been appointed director of the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) research center in Sydney, Australia, is interviewed by Douglas Beck, AuD, in this edition of “HR’s“ Inside the Research. Topics include research at NAL, the NAL’s cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) system known as HEARLab, over-the-counter hearing aids, and more.

Data Mining in the Era of Disruptive Technology

by Stefani Kim | Apr 24, 2018 | Apps, Components, Over the Counter | 0

In this new era of disruptive technology, hearing care practices need valuable information to help increase the knowledge of decision makers. Primus Business Analytics is designed to help owners and managers effectively identify growth and development opportunities, understand best-practice protocols, the duration and scope of testing, and assist in fine-tuning in ways that would otherwise be virtually impossible.

Otometrics/Audiology Systems to Host 4th Annual Audiology Systems University

by Stefani Kim | Jan 10, 2018 | Counseling & Education, Research | 0

The ASIu Class of 2018 will take place on March 29-30 at the Otometrics/Audiology Systems corporate office in Schaumburg, Ill.

Real-Ear Measurement is Not Just for Verification

by Stefani Kim | Dec 26, 2017 | Continuing Education | 0

Verification of a hearing aid (or hearing protection) fitting is an obvious usage, but it can be quite instructive about some general acoustic principles.

Real-Ear Measurement and Its Impact on Aided Audibility and Patient Loyalty

by Stefani Kim | Sep 22, 2017 | Fitting Equipment, Testing Equipment | 0

This article looks at how differences in the level of audibility provided by each fitting approach—REM vs Quick Fit—impacts speech understanding and, indirectly, patient loyalty towards the provider.

Noise Reduction, Compression for Clinicians, and More: An Interview with Ted Venema, PhD

by Karl | Jul 27, 2017 | Testing Equipment | 3

Douglas Beck, AuD, interviews long-time educator and clinician Ted Venema, PhD, about the issues surrounding hearing aid compression, inner and outer hair cell loss, digital noise reduction, speech in noise, and verification.

Speech Mapping and Probe Microphone Measurements: An Interview with Gus Mueller, PhD

by Stefani Kim | Jul 26, 2017 | Testing Equipment | 2

The areas of speech mapping, probe-microphone measurements, and the verification of prescriptive targets continue to be important topics in hearing aid dispensing and hearing healthcare.

Match to Target: How to Get Accurate First Fits

by Stefani Kim | Jul 25, 2017 | Patient Fittings | 1

Real-ear verification is considered a “best practice” when fitting hearing aids. In this study, a clinical verification approach was applied to verify the implementation of the NAL-NL2 rationale in the Widex Unique hearing aids.

Audioscan Introduces Upgraded Features for Verification Equipment

by Stefani Kim | Jul 19, 2017 | Fitting Equipment, Testing Equipment | 0

Integrated into Audioscan’s Speechmap®, the MAOF highlighter provides guidance during FL verification to help clinicians provide an optimal fit.

Hearing Aid Programming Practices in Oregon: Fitting Errors and Real Ear Measurements

by Stefani Kim | Jun 6, 2017 | Patient Fittings | 0

This study shows that 97.7% of subjects showed deviations from the NAL-NL2 in excess of 5 dB in both ears—well in excess of the nearly two-thirds of hearing aid fitting errors reported by the now-famous Consumer Reports article of 2009. Research continues to show that hearing aids that provide more real-ear verified aided speech audibility result in better outcomes than hearing aids that do not provide as much aided speech audibility.