Exam 1 Part 2 Flashcards
why are needs assessments conducted
to determine candidacy in making individualized amplification recommendations
what is included in a needs assessment
audiologic, physical, communication, listening, self-assessment, and other pertinent factors affecting patient outcomes.
objective assessments supply additional information regarding
activity limitations
Objective Assessments of Body Structure & Function
TEN test
Purpose: Identifies cochlear dead regions
Puretone loudness discomfort levels (LDL)
Purpose: obtain objective data identifying the frequency-specific dynamic range to ensure output across frequencies does not exceed levels of comfort
what is the purpose of a ten test
identify cochlear dead regions
what is the purpose of LDLs
obtain objective data identifying the frequency-specific dynamic range to ensure output across frequencies does not exceed levels of comfort
Objective Assessments of Activity Limitation
QuickSIN
Purpose: Quantifies degree of SNR loss and identifies potential of binaural interference
Acceptable Noise Level
Purpose: Quantifies a patient’s tolerance of background noise
what is the purpose of QuickSIN
Quantifies degree of SNR loss and identifies potential of binaural interference
what is the purpose of ANL
Quantifies a patient’s tolerance of background noise
why are LDLs needed?
to ensure amplified output doesn’t exceed PTs loudness tolerance
what are LDLs used for
Data is used to program output and verify OSPL90/MPO limits of the device
When MPO settings remains below LDL acceptance of high input levels & overall satisfaction with amplification decreases
false
it improves
Individual tolerance levels vary significantly despite similar threshold loss.
true
what is the LDL test protocol
PT refers to loudness categories
signal is pulsed pure tone
1. present at MCL (wherever speech is presented)
2. Ascend 5dB & PT ranks loudness after each presentation (narrow DR ascend in 2dB as you near LDL threshold)
3. Stop ascending when reach #7 on category list
4. Run 2-3 trials, repeating the above steps starting at MCL again
always assess 2&3 kHz
normal sensitivity - skip
LF >40 - test 500 Hz
Precipitous inter-octave change (>20 dB) - test inter-octaves
HA output supplies extended frequency range - assess above 3 kHz
what symbols are used for LDL
forward L for the right ear and backward L for the L ear
upside down E’s are used in NOAH
LDL purpose
to find your judgment of the loudness of different sounds. We want to ensure that the amplified output of a hearing aid device does not exceed your loudness tolerance.
LDL results meaning
The purpose of LDL test (loudness discomfort level test) is to find your judgment of the loudness of different sounds. We want to ensure that the amplified output of a hearing aid device does not exceed your loudness tolerance.
So looking at your results, we expect these to vary since loudness is perceived differently. Your results show that there is some consistency in the different frequencies tested, or pitches presented, meaning loudness is perceived consistently to you. Average patient LDL is 100-105 dB HL and your results were basically going to the limits of the equipment which just means you tolerate loudness more than the average patient.
purpose & use of ANL
Quantifies a listener’s willingness to listen to speech in the presence of background noise.
Predictive of hearing aid satisfaction with 85% accuracy
Identifies those who will have more difficulty adapting to amplification
what is the test protocol for ANL
Set up PT to 0 deg. Azimuth to the speaker
Set up Channel 1 to - Ext. A
speech
Set up Channel 2 to - Ext. B
noise
Calibrate both channels
Turn Channel 1 on (with Channel 2 OFF)
Establish MCL
Increase speech in 5 dB steps until it is described that speech is too loud (provide with categories)
Decrease speech in 5dB until speech is too soft
SWITCH TO 2 DB STEPS NOW - increase speech until you reach person’s MCL
Note the MCL intensity
Turn Channel 2 on (Keeping Channel 1 ON)
Establish BNL
*MAKE SURE MCL DOESN’T CHANGE (it is fine if it does until we end this step)
Increase noise in 5dB until the story is incomprehensible. (BNL masks speech signal)
Decrease noise in 5dB until story is very clear
SWITCH TO 2DB STEPS (adjust mcl if needed) - Increase noise until PT can hear passage but they do not want anymore noise - as much noise as they can tolerant and can still understand
Note BNL intensity
how to score ANL
MCL value – BNL value = ANL score
low ANL score
(difference < 7 dB)
Indicates the patient ACCEPTS a lot of noise background noise w/o issues
This patient is likely to wear hearing aids on a regular basis
no problems tolerating background noise, no management in fittings needed
study in noise example & can focus and not get distracted
High ANL score
(difference > 13 dB)
Indicates the patient LACKS TOLERANCE for background noise
This patient is less likely to wear hearing aids regularly
very quickly bothered by the background noise
early research - lacks tolerance for amp, not amp candidates
ANL scores b/w 8-12 dB are equivocal
May require extra post-fitting counselling or adjustment period
not amp candidate (early research)
These need extra counseling that they may need more time to adjust to amplification or they may never adjust to them or like them
what is the rationale for SNR loss measurement
Speech intelligibility in noise remains the #1 improvement patients seek with hearing aids
To enhance satisfaction with amplification, it is essential to improve hearing in noisy environments. Each patient will need tailored technological recommendations based on their individual “signal-to-noise loss.” Measuring the extent of signal-to-noise ratio loss enables the selection of suitable technological options and validates the improvement provided by those choices.