Judgments of hearing aid processed music.

Paired comparison perception and preference judgments of hearing aid processed music were examined under conditions of extended and reduced high and low-frequency ranges. The performance of 20 subjects with mild to moderate hearing impairment was compared with an equal number of normal hearing controls. Subjects with normal hearing indicated perception of and preference for extended ranges for both high and low frequencies. However the perception and preference judgments of hearing-impaired subjects were essentially random for the high-frequency ranges; but accurate perception and preference was found for extended low-frequency adjustments. Implications for hearing aid design and use are discussed.