Assessing Real-Life Benefit From Hearing-Aid Noise Management: SSQ12 Questionnaire Versus Ecological Momentary Assessment With Acoustic Data-Logging

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate real-life benefit from directional microphone and noise reduction (“noise management” [NM]) processing using retrospective self-reports smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) combined with logging the acoustic environments. Method A single-blinded, counterbalanced crossover design used. Eleven hearing-impaired adults were bilaterally fitted behind-the-ear devices NM either activated (NM ON ) or deactivated. For self-reports, short scale Speech, Spatial, Qualities Hearing Scale questionnaire (SSQ12) applied. EMAs, hearing aid (HA)–based classifications listening environments (“soundscapes”) experienced by participants To explore potential associations data, two laboratory measures aided speech recognition in administered. Results soundscapes which submitted their EMAs representative they during normal HA use reported literature for older users. SSQ12 EMA scores both showed an overall . scores, together logged revealed that driven being preferred particularly classified as “speech” “speech noise.” unable predict data. Conclusions data-logging is suited more targeted evaluations benefit. Advanced settings can provide subjective user benefits specific situations.