- Watch the mouth of the speaker to improve speech intelligibility with visual cues
- Real ear measurement during hearing aid fitting optimizes speech intelligibility by ensuring hearing aid programming matches the hearing loss prescription
- Direct audio input through Bluetooth streaming can provide a substantial improvement in speech clarity
- Other ways to improve speech intelligibility include updating hearing aid software, noise reduction technology, adjusting volume/settings, and directional microphones
- Phonak Audeo Lumity hearing aids have features such as StereoZoom 2.0 microphone directionality and AutoSense OS 5.0 operating system for optimal speech intelligibility. Additionally, tips such as facing the speaker, real ear measurement programming, and using assistive listening devices can further optimize speech intelligibility.
The Importance of Speech Intelligibility in Hearing Aids
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to communicate effectively with others. One of the primary goals of hearing aids is to improve speech intelligibility, which refers to the clarity and understanding of speech. With the right hearing aids and fitting, it is possible to greatly improve speech intelligibility and enhance communication in daily life.
Features of Phonak Audeo Lumity Hearing Aids that Improve Speech Intelligibility
Phonak Audeo Lumity hearing aids are designed to provide the highest level of speech intelligibility for people with hearing loss. These hearing aids come with a range of features that have been specifically engineered to improve speech intelligibility.
Explanation of the StereoZoom 2.0 Microphone Directionality
One of the key features of Phonak Audeo Lumity hearing aids is the StereoZoom 2.0 microphone directionality feature. This feature allows the hearing aids to prioritize speech from particular directions and restrict sounds from other directions, thus increasing the signal-to-noise ratio by up to 5.5 decibels. This can greatly improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments, such as crowded restaurants or busy streets.
Description of the AutoSense OS 5.0 Operating System and How It Improves Speech Intelligibility
The Phonak Audeo Lumity hearing aids are equipped with the AutoSense OS 5.0 operating system, which is designed to identify different listening situations and adjust program settings for optimal speech intelligibility. The system continuously monitors the environment and adjusts the hearing aids’ settings in real-time to provide the best possible speech intelligibility in any situation.
Explanation of the Phonak Roger Microphone as an Assistive Listening Device
The Phonak Audeo Lumity hearing aids can be used with the Phonak Roger Microphone, which acts as an assistive listening device. The microphone sends the voice of the person speaking directly into the hearing aids, greatly improving speech intelligibility in noisy environments. The combination of the Phonak Audeo Lumity hearing aids and the Phonak Roger Microphone provides an unbeatable solution for those who need clear and accurate speech intelligibility.
I fit 400 pairs of hearing aids a year at my VA clinic. I would estimate that 80% of them are the Phonak Luminity aids as I firmly believe they are the best in noise.
Dr. Jonathan Javid, Au.D.
Check current prices of Phonak aids at ZipHearing.com or Hear-Better.com. See why I prefer ZipHearing in this article.
Visual Cues for Improving Speech Intelligibility
Visual cues, such as watching the mouth of the speaker, can greatly enhance speech intelligibility for those with hearing loss. This is because the lip movements and facial expressions of a speaker provide additional information that can help fill in missing speech information that cannot be heard due to hearing loss.
This is especially helpful in noisy environments where speech can be difficult to hear and understand. By watching the mouth of the speaker, individuals can supplement what they can hear with what they can see, leading to a better understanding of the conversation.
Real Ear Measurement during Hearing Aid Fitting
Real ear measurement is a critical component in the hearing aid fitting process. It involves measuring the sound output from a hearing aid in the ear canal to ensure it matches the individual’s hearing loss prescription. This ensures that the missing speech information is returned correctly.
Real ear measurement provides benefits in optimizing the programming of hearing aids for speech intelligibility. By accurately measuring the sound output, the hearing aid can be programmed to deliver sound to the individual’s specific hearing loss. This results in improved speech intelligibility and overall sound quality.
Proper hearing aid fitting is essential to ensuring speech intelligibility. Without accurate real ear measurements, the hearing aid may not be delivering sound correctly, which can negatively impact speech intelligibility. It is important to have a hearing aid fitting from a licensed audiologist to ensure the best possible outcome for speech intelligibility.
Tip: If your audiologist did not put a thin tube inside your ear canal during the fitting ask for real ear measures.
Direct Audio Input through Bluetooth Streaming
Explanation of how direct audio input works and the benefits it provides Bluetooth streaming is a technology that allows audio to be streamed directly into both hearing aids from a device such as a smartphone or television.
This direct audio input can provide a substantial improvement in speech clarity, as it allows the sound to be streamed directly into both hearing aids at the prescriptive levels. This helps to eliminate background noise and improves the signal-to-noise ratio, making it easier to understand speech.
Phone calls and television are two common situations where speech intelligibility and clarity can be a challenge for those with hearing loss. By using Bluetooth streaming, audio can be transmitted directly into the hearing aids, allowing the user to hear speech clearly in these environments.
It is important to note that not all hearing aids support Bluetooth streaming, so it is crucial to check with your audiologist or hearing aid provider to see if this technology is available for your hearing aids.
Overall, using direct audio input through Bluetooth streaming is an effective way to improve speech intelligibility and enhance the overall listening experience for those with hearing loss.
Other Ways to Improve Speech Intelligibility
Updating Hearing Aid Software/Firmware:
Regular updates to the hearing aid software or firmware can help improve speech intelligibility. This is because updates can provide bug fixes and performance improvements that can enhance the overall hearing aid experience. You will need to visit your audiologist for firmware upgrades.
Noise Reduction Technology:
Hearing aids with noise-reduction technology can help minimize background noise and improve speech intelligibility. This is because background noise can interfere with the perception of speech and make it harder to understand what is being said. Noise reduction technology can help to reduce the impact of background noise, making speech clearer and more intelligible.
Adjusting Volume and Settings:
Adjusting the volume and settings of hearing aids can also help to optimize speech intelligibility. This can be done by programming the hearing aids to the specific hearing loss prescription and fine-tuning the volume and settings to suit the individual’s preferences and needs.
Directional Microphones:
Hearing aids with directional microphones can help improve speech intelligibility by focusing on the sound coming from the person speaking, rather than background noise. This can help to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and make speech easier to understand. Directional microphones can also help to reduce the impact of background noise, further improving speech intelligibility.
