Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to optimize hearing aid benefit based on the individual auditory-cognitive need using different hearing aid features in first-time hearing aid users between 45-80 years old with bilateral Phonak Audéo Paradise/Lumity 70 hearing aids. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does cognitive functioning affect hearing aid benefit? How can hearing aid fitting be optimized based on the individual auditory-cognitive profile?
The hypothesis posits that cognitive abilities influence the effectiveness of hearing aids, alongside hearing status. Furthermore, if features of hearing aids improve speech understanding and listening effort, it is proposed that individuals with lower cognitive functioning will experience heightened benefits from hearing aids.
The study will consist of three groups: one control group and two groups where one different feature will be modified.
Participants will be tested at baseline measurement, including:
- screening tests
- audiological tests
- questionnaires
- cognitive tests
- real-ear-measurement
Following this, participants will be divided in one of the three groups, after which speech audiometry will be repeated. After a 4-week acclimatization period, the second measurement will take place, repeating speech audiometry and questionnaires. Subsequently, the hearing aid settings will be restored to their initial configuration.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Dutch-speaking individuals aged between 45-80 years old
- individuals with normal vision (with glasses or lenses if needed)
- individuals with age-related hearing loss
- individuals with bilateral hearing aids (Phonak Audéo Paradise/Lumity 70)
- individuals who are capable to give consent to participate in the study themselves
Exclusion Criteria:
- user of cochlear implants
- use of influencing medication (for example: Rilatin and antidepressants)
- learning disabilities (for example: dyslexia and dyscalculia)
- (history of) neurological problems (brain tumor, epilepsy, history of stroke, ...)