Perceptual Training Improves Syllable Identification In New And Experienced Hearing Aid Users

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Article Date: 12 Oct 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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We investigated the effects of perceptual training on speech processing in new and experienced hearing aid (HA) users with sensorineural hearing loss. New HA users were randomly assigned to immediate training (IT) or delayed training (DT) groups.

IT subjects underwent 8 weeks of syllable identification training and in-laboratory testing, whereas DT subjects underwent identical in-laboratory testing without training. Training produced large improvements in syllable identification in the IT group, whereas untrained DT group showed minimal improvement.

DT group then underwent training and showed performance improvements comparable with IT subjects. We also tested experienced HA users using identical training and testing procedures as those used for new HA users.

The experienced users also showed significant performance improvements. Perceptual training appears to be a promising tool for improving speech perception in all HA users.

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JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community.

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