Fitting Methods: Origins and Evolution-Fitting Methods: Origins and Evolution Slides

Fitting Methods: Origins and Evolution Slides

Pdf Summary

The presentation titled "Fitting Methods: Origins and Evolution of Modern Practices" discusses various fitting methods used in audiology. The presenter, Ted Venema, discusses the different approaches to fitting hearing aids for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.<br /><br />The presentation begins by discussing the difference between fitting the eye versus fitting the ear. The hair cells in the cochlea are compared to the retina in the eye, with intact hair cells being similar to normal vision and damaged hair cells being similar to vision loss. It is explained that because most hearing loss is sensorineural, there are many different fitting methods available.<br /><br />Linear fitting methods are discussed, which are based on the 1/2 Gain Rule. These methods provide the same gain for all input levels, but they do not mirror the audiogram with full gain. The limitations of linear fitting methods are highlighted, such as the risk of clipping peaks and reduced dynamic range for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.<br /><br />The presentation then introduces the DSL fitting method, which stands for Desired Sensation Level. DSL aims to equalize the audibility of speech across different frequencies. The SPL-o-gram is discussed as a tool for mapping speech sounds in dB SPL.<br /><br />The NAL fitting method is also explored, which focuses on amplifying unaided speech sounds so they are equally loud. NAL-NL1, NAL-NL2, and DSL 5 are compared in terms of their targets and effectiveness.<br /><br />In conclusion, the presenter suggests that fitting methods are evolving and converging back to where they began, with functional gain and linear fitting methods. The presentation ends with a Q&A session and contact information for Ted Venema.

Keywords

Fitting Methods

Origins

Evolution

Modern Practices

audiology

sensorineural hearing loss

linear fitting methods

DSL fitting method

SPL-o-gram

NAL fitting method