Managing an "Own Voice" Problem That Has an Amplifier Origin

The complaint from hearing aid wearers of hollowness in the sound of their voice is typically associated with excessive low-frequency sound pressure level (SPL) in the ear canal. Increasing the vent diameter and/or reducing the gain in the low frequency would typically minimize this complaint. This paper reports on a case where the origin of hollowness was insufficient low-frequency gain compared to a previous hearing aid fitting. It describes the systematic process that was followed in uncovering the origin of the patient's hollowness complaint. Clinicians might follow a similar objective approach in their fine-tuning process to resolve wearer complaints.

Key Words

Ampclusion effect - hollowness - occlusion effect - own voice problem