Effect of Computer-Assisted Speech Training on Speech Recognition and Subjective Benefits for Hearing Aid Users with Severe to Profound Prelingual Hearing Loss

Abstract

Objective: Computer-assisted speech training is a speech recognition training system developed for cochlear implant users. With minimal facilities and skills, cochlear implant users can conduct this training at home. The purpose of this study was to apply this system to adolescent and young adult hearing aid users with prelingual severe to profound hearing loss. Study sample: Fifteen Mandarin-speaking hearing aid users with prelingual severe to profound hearing loss were included into this study. Another 6 hearing aid users with a similar background were recruited as the control group. Results: The training group had significant improvements in monosyllabic word recognition after 8 weeks of training, however the improvement diminished after 12 weeks of training. The training group also had significant improvements in consonant recognition after training for 12 weeks. There were no differences in improvement and final scores on the client-oriented scale of improvement between the training and control groups. Conclusion: With moderate training, the computer-assisted speech training system showed some benefits in training hearing aid users with prelingual severe to profound hearing loss, especially in the recognition of monosyllabic words and consonants.