Skip to main content
Article
DSL prescriptive targets for bone conduction devices: adaptation and comparison to clinical fittings
International Journal of Audiology
  • William E. Hodgetts, University of Alberta
  • Susan D. Scollie, The University of Western Ontario
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-3-2017
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1080/14992027.2017.1302605
Abstract

Objective: To develop an algorithm that prescribes targets for bone conduction frequency response shape, compression, and output limiting, along with a clinical method that ensures accurate transforms between assessment and verification stages of the clinical workflow. Design: Technical report of target generation and validation. Study sample: We recruited 39 adult users of unilateral percutaneous bone conduction hearing aids with a range of unilateral, bilateral, mixed and conductive hearing losses across the sample. Results: The initial algorithm over-prescribed output compared to the user’s own settings in the low frequencies, but provided a good match to user settings in the high frequencies. Corrections to the targets were derived and implemented as a low-frequency cut aimed at improving acceptance of the wearer’s own voice during device use. Conclusions: The DSL-BCD prescriptive algorithm is compatible with verification of devices and fine-tuning to target for percutaneous bone conduction hearing devices that can be coupled to a skull simulator. Further study is needed to investigate the appropriateness of this prescriptive algorithm for other input levels, and for other clinical populations including those with single-sided deafness, bilateral devices, children and users of transcutaneous bone conduction hearing aids.

Citation Information
William E. Hodgetts and Susan D. Scollie. "DSL prescriptive targets for bone conduction devices: adaptation and comparison to clinical fittings" International Journal of Audiology Vol. 56 Iss. 7 (2017) p. 521 - 530
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/susan-scollie/12/