Subject´s Preference Regarding Hearing Performance and Functionality Using a New Sound Processor

Primary outcomes

1. Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB)

   Time frame: Day 0 (Visit 1) and after 6 weeks (Visit 3)

   Measuring of subscales Ease of communication, Reverberation, Background noise, Aversiveness and a Global score with the precursor sound processor at Day 0 and with the Investigational device after 6 weeks with a questionnaire. All subscales range from 0-100%, total score is the average of all subscales 0-100%, where 0% indicates no problems and 100% indicates always problem. A decrease in the APHAB values indicates an improvement. The change from visit 1 with the precursor sound processor to visit 3 with the Investigational device is presented. A positive value indicates an improvement with the Investigational device, a negative value an impairment.

2. Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ)

   Time frame: Day 0 and after 6 weeks

   Measuring speech, spatial and hearing experiences with the precursor sound processor at Day 0 (Visit 1) and with Investigational device after 6 weeks (Visit 3) with a questionnaire. The Total score summarizes the parameters speech, spatial and hearing. A scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "can not hear at all", and 10 "hear perfectly" is used. An increase of a SSQ value reflects an improvement. The change from visit 1 with the precursor sound processor to visit 3 with the Investigational device is presented. A positive value indicates an improvement and a negative value an impairment.

3. Self-reported Assessment Regarding Satisfaction and Usability (QUEST Version 2)

   Time frame: Day 0 and after 6 weeks

   Measuring QUEST (Self-reported assessment regarding satisfaction and usability) using a questionnaire, with the precursor sound processor at Day 0 (Visit 1) and with the Investigational device after 6 weeks (Visit 3). The QUEST form displays the scoring of 8 satisfaction items. The satisfaction items related to the characteristics of the device are: 1) dimensions, 2) weight, 3) adjustments, 4) safety, 5) durability, 6) simplicity of use, 7) comfort and 8) effectiveness. A scale from 1 to 5, where 1 represent not satisfied at all, 2 not very satisfied, 3 more or less satisfied, 4 quiet satisfied and 5 represents very satisfied.

   The three most important items of 1) dimensions, 2) weight, 3) adjustments, 4) safety, 5) durability, 6) simplicity of use, 7) comfort and 8) effectiveness were listed by each participant.

4. Audiometric Thresholds in Freefield, Pure Tone Average 4 (PTA4)

   Time frame: Baseline at visit 1, 6 weeks after study start at visit 3

   To measure threshold audiometry PTA4 (mean of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz) with both the precursor sound processor and the Investigational device. The units reported for PTA4 are decibels (dB). The change from visit 1 with the precursor sound processor to visit 3 with the Investigational device is presented. As such, a lower or more negative score is more desirable and reflects a better ability to hear softer sounds.

5. Audiometric Thresholds in Freefield, Individual Frequencies

   Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

   To measure threshold audiometry at individual frequencies 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 Hz with both the precursor sound processor and the Investigational device. The units reported for threshold audiometry are decibels (dB). The change from visit 1 with the precursor sound processor to visit 3 with the Investigational device is presented. As such, a lower or more negative score is more desirable and reflects a better ability to hear softer sounds.

6. Adaptive Speech Recognition in Noise Ratio

   Time frame: Baseline at visit 1, 6 weeks after study start at visit 3

   To measure Adaptive speech recognition in noise with the precursor sound processor and the Investigational device. Measured as signal to noise ratio The adaptive speech test in noise was conducted using validated lists of phonetically balanced sentences, with speech and noise presented from the front (0 degrees azimuth). The speech is kept constant at 65 dB Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and the noise is adapted in dB steps to establish the speech-to-noise ratio (SNR) providing a 50% level of understanding. A ratio of 1 reflects the ability to correctly hear sentences at 65 dB, in the presence of 65 dB background noise. A lower ratio than 1 reflects the ability to correctly hear sentences below 65 dB. A ratio higher than 1 reflects the ability to correctly hear sentences presented above 65 dB. A lower or more negative score is more desirable and represent a better hearing in a noisy environment.

7. Speech in Quiet

   Time frame: Baseline at visit 1, 6 weeks after study start at visit 3

   To measure Speech in quiet at 50, 65 and 80 dB with the precursor sound processor and the Investigational device. Speech in Quiet presents a list of words in a quiet environment at three different presentations levels, 50, 65 and 80 dB (decibel). The number of correct words perceived at each presentation level are counted and the percentage in relation to the total presented amount of words is calculated. A higher score reflects a higher percentage of correct words perceived, i.e. better hearing in a quiet environment.

8. To Compare the Subject´s Overall Preference Regarding the Investigational Device and the Precursor Sound Processor

   Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

   The test subject will be asked a question regarding preferred choice made by selection between Investigational device and the precursor sound processor (comparator). Three boxes can be ticked; Precursor Sound Processor, Investigational Device, No preference.

9. To Assess the Subject's Experience Regarding Comfort

   Time frame: Baseline at visit 1, 6 weeks after study start at visit 3

   Measure Comfort by a visual analogue scale (VAS) 100 mm at Day 0 regarding the precursor sound processor and after 6 weeks regarding the Investigational device. Subject will be asked to put a line where they find most appropriate where 0 mm represents Not comfortable at all and 100 represents Most comfortable imaginable. The distance will be measured with a ruler and presented as a value between 0 and 100. A higher score reflects higher comfort.

10. To Assess the Subject's Experience Regarding Usage; Magnet Choice

    Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

    Magnet choice will be entered; four boxes are available, 1, 2, 3 and 4, the box with the strength chosen by the patient will be ticked. Magnet strength 1 is the weakest and 4 is the strongest.

11. To Assess the Subject's Experience Regarding Usage; Battery Life Time

    Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

    The patient will be asked a question regarding battery life; "How often was the battery changed". A free text field is available for answer.

12. To Assess the Subject's Experience Regarding Usage; Softwear Pad

    Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

    The patient will be asked a question "Did you use a SoftWear Pad in the last 6 weeks". The patient can tick a "Yes" or "No" box.

13. To Assess the Subject's Experience Regarding Usage; Safety Line

    Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

    The patient will be asked a question "Did you use a safety line in the last 6 weeks". The patient can tick a "Yes" or "No" box.

14. To Assess the Subject's Experience Regarding Usage; Wireless Accessories

    Time frame: 6 weeks after study start

    The patient will be asked a question "Did you use a Wireless accessory during the last 6 weeks". The patient can tick a "Yes" or "No" box.