Effect of automatic signal-processing amplification on speech recognition in noise for persons with sensorineural hearing loss.

Hearing aids with automatic signal-processing circuitry (ASP) have recently become available commercially. This investigation tested the claims of manufacturers that the ASP hearing aid improves speech recognition in noise. Word recognition scores were obtained from ten hearing-impaired adults using two different hearing aids (ASP and conventional) and four background noise conditions (quiet, +5, 0, and -5 dB signal-to-noise ratios). The results indicated that the more difficult the listening condition, the greater the advantage provided by the ASP instrument. The ASP hearing aid may prove to be beneficial to many hearing-impaired individuals who have difficulty communicating in noisy situations.