Barriers to Adult Cochlear Implant Care in the United States: An Analysis of Health Care Delivery
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 311-320 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739281Persistent underutilization of cochlear implants (CIs) in the United States is in part a reflection of a lack of hearing health knowledge and the complexities of care delivery in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss. An evaluation of the patient experience through the CI health care delivery process systematically exposes barriers that must be overcome to undergo treatment for moderate-to-severe hearing loss. This review analyzes patient-facing obstacles including diagnosis of hearing loss, CI candidate identification and referral to surgeon, CI evaluation and ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Nassiri, Ashley M. Marinelli, John P. Sorkin, Donna L. Carlson, Matthew L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Barriers to Cochlear Implant Access: Acknowledging the Challenges, Changing the Future
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 309-310 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739280 Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Sydlowski, Sarah Tags: Preface Source Type: research
Improving Speech Understanding and Monitoring Health with Hearing Aids Using Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Sensors
This article details ways that machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies are being integrated in modern hearing aids to improve speech understanding in background noise and provide a gateway to overall health and wellness. Discussion focuses on how Starkey incorporates automatic and user-driven optimization of speech intelligibility with onboard hearing aid signal processing and machine learning algorithms, smartphone-based deep neural network processing, and wireless hearing aid accessories. The article will conclude with a review of health and wellness tracking capabilities that are enabled by embedded se...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Fabry, David A. Bhowmik, Achintya K. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
The Collaboration between Hearing Aid Users and Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Sound
This article describes how an artificial intelligence (AI) mechanism that operates continuously on input from the user may alleviate such problems by using a type of machine learning known as Bayesian optimization. The basic AI mechanism is described, and studies showing its effects both in the laboratory and in the field are summarized. A crucial fact about the use of this AI is that it generates large amounts of user data that serve as input for scientific understanding as well as for the development of hearing aids and hearing care. Analyses of users' listening environments based on these data show the distribution of a...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Balling, Laura Winther M ølgaard, Lasse Lohilahti Townend, Oliver Nielsen, Jens Brehm Bagger Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Creating Clarity in Noisy Environments by Using Deep Learning in Hearing Aids
This article provides an overview of the techniques used for noise reduction in modern hearing aids. First, classical techniques are covered as they are used in modern hearing aids. The discussion then shifts to how deep learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, provides a radically different way of solving the noise problem. Finally, the results of several experiments are used to showcase the benefits of recent algorithmic advances in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, speech intelligibility, selective attention, and listening effort. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 1...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Andersen, Asger Heidemann Santurette, S ébastien Pedersen, Michael Syskind Alickovic, Emina Fiedler, Lorenz Jensen, Jesper Behrens, Thomas Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Wind Noise Management in Hearing Aids
This article reviews how wind noise is generated in hearing aids, outlines the technological challenges in wind noise management, and summarizes the technological solutions that have been proposed and/or implemented in modern hearing aids. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Abstract | open access Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Korhonen, Petri Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Motion Sensors in Automatic Steering of Hearing Aids
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 237-247 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735132A requirement for modern hearing aids is to evaluate a listening environment for the user and automatically apply appropriate gain and feature settings for optimal hearing in that listening environment. This has been predominantly achieved by the hearing aids' acoustic sensors, which measure acoustic characteristics such as the amplitude and modulation of the incoming sound sources. However, acoustic information alone is not always sufficient for providing a clear indication of the soundscape and user's listening needs. User activity such as being stationary or being ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Branda, Eric Wurzbacher, Tobias Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Increasing the Effectiveness of Hearing Aid Directional Microphones
This article describes the real-world studies that inspired ReSound to take a different approach to applying directional microphone technology. This approach is based on the idea that hearing aid directionality can leverage natural binaural hearing and inherent listening strategies. The directional strategy includes three listening modes that will be explained. These are the Spatial Cue Preservation mode, the Binaural Listening mode, and the Speech Intelligibility mode. The strategy and the advantages it provides in terms of sound quality, spatial hearing, and improved signal-to-noise ratio with maintained awareness of sur...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Jespersen, Charlotte T. Kirkwood, Brent C. Groth, Jennifer Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Binaural Signal Processing in Hearing Aids
This article briefly summarizes the major advantages of binaural compared with monaural hearing, followed by a detailed description of the related technological advances in modern hearing aids. Aspects related to the communication and exchange of data between the left and right hearing aids are discussed together with typical algorithmic approaches implemented in modern hearing aids. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Abstract | open access Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Derleth, Peter Georganti, Eleftheria Latzel, Matthias Courtois, Gilles Hofbauer, Markus Raether, Juliane Kuehnel, Volker Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Environmental Classification in Hearing Aids
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 186-205 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735175There are two parts to this article. The first is a general overview of how hearing aid classification works, including a comparison study of normal-hearing listeners and multiple manufacturers' hearing aids while listening to a sound parkour composed of a multitude of acoustic scenes. Most hearing aids applied nearly identical classification for simple listening environments. But differences began to appear across manufacturers' products when the listening environments became more complex. The second section reviews the results of a study of the acoustic ecology (lis...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Hayes, Donald Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Hearing Aid Technology to Improve Speech Intelligibility in Noise
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 175-185 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735174Understanding speech in noise is difficult for individuals with normal hearing and is even more so for individuals with hearing loss. Difficulty understanding speech in noise is one of the primary reasons people seek hearing assistance. Despite amplification, many hearing aid users still struggle to understand speech in noise. In response to this persistent problem, hearing aid manufacturers have invested significantly in developing new solutions. Any solution is not without its tradeoffs, and decisions must be made when optimizing and implementing them. Much of this ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - September 24, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Alexander, Joshua M. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
U.S. Policy Considerations for Telehealth Provision in Audiology
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 165-174 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731697The demand for telehealth services will continue to grow alongside an increased need for audiology services among both children and adults. Insurance coverage policies for audiologic services are specific to each payer and vary widely in the level of coverage provided for both in-person and telehealth-based audiology services. While benefits for children are fairly comprehensive, coverage for audiology services for adults is generally poor. Traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids or other rehabilitative audiologic services, and other payer policies vary widel...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - August 2, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Jilla, Anna Marie Arnold, Michelle L. Miller, Erin L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Case Study Comparison: Limitations in Telehealth Relating to Poverty and Family Support
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 158-164 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731696Telehealth appointments have grown in popularity due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Three cases presented in this article show several different perspectives where telehealth was utilized. For the first patient, appointments were successfully completed via telehealth; however, the patient's family opted to continue with an unsecure internet connection at a local laundromat. For the second patient, a stable internet connection could not be obtained in his home, thus making telehealth appointments unavailable. The caregiver of this patient ended up driving to the clin...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - August 2, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Jorgensen, Lindsey E. Barrett, Rachel E. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Telehealth Audiology and Virtual Hearing Screenings: A Case Report
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 152-157 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731695Clinic closures across the United States in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic meant that many audiology services were reduced to phone calls, video visits, and modified services (e.g., curbside, mail-ins, drop offs). Audiologists and other providers needed a way to manage hearing- and ear-related complaints via telehealth. A simple pure tone air conduction threshold test performed at home was used to determine which patients needed to come into the clinic for an in-person appointment. This case will review a 56-year-old male who was being tr...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - August 2, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Linkenheimer, Erika Sophia Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Increasing Pediatric Audiology Services via Telehealth
This article details three cases where audiologists delivered telehealth services to children. These case studies demonstrate portions of the Division of Audiology Telehealth Program of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and how they increased access to hearing healthcare in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - August 2, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Evans, Tommy Nejman, Timothy Stewart, Erin Windmill, Ian Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
