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J Am Acad Audiol 1999; 10(08): 445-457
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1748518
Original Article

Comparison of Performance with Wide Dynamic Range Compression and Linear Amplification

Anna C. S. Kam
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
currently affiliated with Phonak Hearing Centre, Hong Kong Limited
,
Lena L. N. Wong
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Abstract

This study compared subject performance and preference using a compression-limiting hearing aid set to linear amplification (program 1) and wide dynamic range compression (WDRC, program 2). The frequency responses of the hearing aid were matched to a 65 dB SPL signal and maximum output to a 90 dB SPL signal. Twenty subjects with moderate to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss were tested. Speech recognition scores and speech reception thresholds were obtained both in quiet and in noise. Subjective preference for WDRC or linear amplification was measured via a paired-comparison procedure on "loudness appropriateness,” “clarity," and "pleasantness" to continuous discourse presented in quiet and in noise. Results suggested that WDRC yielded better speech intelligibility in quiet for low-level signals and no difference in speech intelligibility in noise compared to linear amplification. Subjects preferred WDRC for loudness to both high- and low-level signals and for pleasantness to high-level signals.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, AVC = automatic volume control, CL = compression limiting, CVR = consontant-vowel-ratio, HINT = Hearing In Noise Test, Ρ = program, REIG = real-ear insertion gain, REIR = real-ear insertion response, SNR = signal-to-noise ratio, SRS = speech recognition score, SRT = speech reception threshold, WDRC = wide dynamic range compression

Key Words

Linear amplification - speech intelligibility - subjective preference - wide dynamic range compression


Publication History

Article published online:
03 May 2022

© 1999. American Academy of Audiology. This article is published by Thieme.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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