Evaluation of In-lab Benefit for Speech-in-noise Intelligibility With Device for Adults With Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

This primary objective is to evaluate whether the device improves speech recognition in noise compared to the clinically relevant comparison condition of no treatment (unaided) for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The primary outcome will be measured using a clinically available test of speech recognition in noise that uses adaptive bracketing of signal to noise ratio (the Matrix test). The secondary outcome will also assess speech recognition in babble at ecologically valid fixed signal to babble ratios (The Connected Speech Test). Tertiary outcomes will examine device users' ratings of listening effort in noise with and without the device.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years and older
• symmetrical bilateral mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss
• native speakers of English.

Exclusion criteria

• Children
• those without hearing loss
• those without symmetrical bilateral mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss
• those who do not wish to wear the test device instead of their own spectacles during the in-lab procedure
• those who are not native speakers of English
• those who have pacemakers, other implantable devices, or insulin pumps