Study on effective improvement of mobile phone sound quality in a noise environment for the hearing-impaired.

Korean journal of audiology · 2013 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 3087

In speech-without-noise conditions, amplification using the NAL-NL1 fitting formula produced slightly better word-recognition scores than the modified fitting formula (M-formula). In noisy speech conditions, the M-formula produced better word-recognition scor…

Study snapshot

PublicationKorean journal of audiology · 2013

Study typerandomized_trial

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For the hearing-impaired population, quality of sound when listening to speech on mobile phone is often dissatisfactory. Even with a turning up the volume, they feel mobile speech unclear and desire the mobile sounds to be amplified as suited for the hearing characteristics. The purpose of this study was to estimate the appropriateness of NAL-NL1 fitting formula for the hearing-impaired mobile communication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NAL-NL1 and a modified fitting formula (M-formula) were applied for sound amplification in consideration of individual hearing loss. Amplified speech material was presented for a word-recognition score (WRS) test in each subject. To simulate actual mobile phone sound, all speech material was filtered in 8 kHz low-pass filter and presented through a mobile phone to the subjects. Speech material was categorized into a speech-without-noise group and noisy speech group. RESULTS: Amplified sound with NAL-NL1 formula had a slightly better WRS than amplified speech with M-formula in speech-without-noise environments. However, in the noisy speech group, M-formula showed better WRS than NAL-NL1. CONCLUSIONS: For a good speech-perception in mobile phones, more high-frequency speech components need to be provided, especially for noisy environments. This study showed the possibility that specified fitting strategies may be applied for mobile phones to improve hearing in various environments, as with hearing aids.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typerandomized_trial

Effect directionmixed

Populationhearing-impaired subjects

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 66% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

word-recognition score (WRS)
speech perception/clarity in noise vs without noise

Limitations

Sample size not reported in abstract
No EMF/RF exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) reported; study focuses on audio amplification/processing rather than electromagnetic exposure
Randomization/blinding not described in abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "hearing-impaired subjects",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "word-recognition score (WRS)",
    "speech perception/clarity in noise vs without noise"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In speech-without-noise conditions, amplification using the NAL-NL1 fitting formula produced slightly better word-recognition scores than the modified fitting formula (M-formula). In noisy speech conditions, the M-formula produced better word-recognition scores than NAL-NL1.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "No EMF/RF exposure metrics (frequency, SAR, duration) reported; study focuses on audio amplification/processing rather than electromagnetic exposure",
    "Randomization/blinding not described in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.66,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "mobile phone",
    "hearing-impaired",
    "speech perception",
    "word-recognition score",
    "NAL-NL1",
    "fitting formula",
    "noise environment",
    "audio amplification"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.7874/kja.2013.17.2.78
PubMed: 24653911

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