Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (Jul 2015)

Evaluation of Speech Perception via the Use of Hearing Loops and Telecoils

  • Razan Alfakir M.D,
  • Alice E. Holmes Ph.D,
  • Patricia B. Kricos Ph.D,
  • Laura Gaeta BS,
  • Sheridan Martin A.uD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721415591935
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1

Abstract

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A cross-sectional, experimental, and randomized repeated-measures design study was used to examine the objective and subjective value of telecoil and hearing loop systems. Word recognition and speech perception were tested in 12 older adult hearing aid users using the telecoil and microphone inputs in quiet and noise conditions. Participants were asked to subjectively rate cognitive listening effort and self-confidence for each condition. Significant improvement in speech perception with the telecoil over microphone input in both quiet and noise was found along with significantly less reported cognitive listening effort and high self-confidence. The use of telecoils with hearing aids should be recommended for older adults with hearing loss.