Audiology Research最新文献

{"title":"Vestibular Atelectasis: A Narrative Review and Our Experience.","authors":"Andrea Tozzi, Andrea Castellucci, Salvatore Martellucci, Pasquale Malara, Michael Eliezer, Giuseppe Ferrulli, Rosanna Rita Ruberto, Pasquale Brizzi, Enrico Armato, Alessio Marchetti, Daniele Marchioni, Angelo Ghidini, Claudio Moratti","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030061","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vestibular atelectasis (VA) is a rare clinical entity characterized by a collapse of the endolymphatic space resulting in vestibular loss with the possible onset of positional and/or sound/pressure-induced vertigo. It could be idiopathic or secondary to other inner-ear diseases including Meniere's disease (MD). A collapse of the membranous labyrinth involving the semicircular canals (SCs) and the utricle represents its distinctive histopathological feature. While specific radiological patterns consistent with VA have been described on contrast-enhanced MRI with delayed acquisitions, an impairment of the blood-labyrinthine barrier (BLB) could be detected in several disorders leading to vestibular loss. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on VA focusing on the putative pathomechanisms accounting for positional and sound/pressure-induced nystagmus despite unilateral vestibular loss (UVL) in this condition, providing two novel cases of VA. Both patients presented with a clinical picture consistent with unilateral MD that rapidly turned into progressive UVL and positional and/or sound/pressure-induced vertigo. In both cases, the posterior SC was initially impaired at the video-head impulse test (vHIT) and both cervical and ocular VEMPs were initially reduced. Progressively, they developed unsteadiness with paretic spontaneous nystagmus, an impairment also for the lateral and anterior SCs, caloric hypo/areflexia and VEMPs areflexia. They both exhibited ipsilesional nystagmus to sound/pressure stimuli and in one case a persistent geotropic direction-changing positional nystagmus consistent with a \"light cupula\" mechanism involving the lateral SC of the affected side. A collapse of the membranous labyrinthine walls resulting in contact between the vestibular sensors and the stapes footplate could explain the onset of nystagmus to loud sounds and/or pressure changes despite no responses to high- and low-frequency inputs as detected by caloric irrigations, vHIT and VEMPs. On the other hand, the onset of positional nystagmus despite UVL could be explained with the theory of the \"floating labyrinth\". Both patients received contrast-enhanced brain MRI with delayed acquisition exhibiting increased contrast uptake in the pars superior of the labyrinth, suggesting an impairment of the BLB likely resulting in secondary VA. A small intralabyrinthine schwannoma was detected in one case. VA should always be considered in case of positional and/or sound/pressure-induced vertigo despite UVL.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Objective Detection of Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSRs) Based on Mutual Information: Receiver Operating Characteristics and Performance Across Modulation Rates and Levels.","authors":"Gavin M Bidelman, Claire McElwain Horn","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030060","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) are sustained potentials used to assess the physiological integrity of the auditory pathway and objectively estimate hearing thresholds. ASSRs are typically analyzed using statistical procedures to remove the subjective bias of human operators. Knowing when to terminate signal averaging in ASSR testing is critical for making efficient clinical decisions and obtaining high-quality data in empirical research. Here, we report on stimulus-specific (frequency, level) properties and operating ranges of a novel ASSR detection metric based on mutual information (MI). <b>Methods</b>: ASSRs were measured in <i>n</i> = 10 normal-hearing listeners exposed to various stimuli varying in modulation rate (40, 80 Hz) and level (80-20 dB SPL). <b>Results</b>: MI-based classifiers applied to ASSR recordings showed that the accuracy of ASSR detection ranged from ~75 to 99% and was better for 40 compared to 80 Hz responses and for higher compared to lower stimulus levels. Receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) were used to establish normative ranges for MI for reliable ASSR detection across levels and rates (MI = 0.9-1.6). Relative to current statistics for ASSR identification (F-test), MI was a more efficient metric for determining the stopping criterion for signal averaging. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our results confirm that MI can be applied across a broad range of ASSR stimuli and might offer improvements to conventional objective techniques for ASSR detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101356/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary Investigation of a Novel Measure of Speech Recognition in Noise.","authors":"Linda Thibodeau, Emma Freeman, Kristin Kronenberger, Emily Suarez, Hyun-Woong Kim, Shuang Qi, Yune Sang Lee","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030059","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Previous research has shown that listeners may use acoustic cues for speech processing that are perceived during brief segments in the noise when there is an optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This \"glimpsing\" effect requires higher cognitive skills than the speech tasks used in typical audiometric evaluations.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the use of an online test of speech processing in noise in listeners with typical hearing sensitivity (TH, defined as thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL) who were asked to determine the gender of the subject in sentences that were presented in increasing levels of continuous and interrupted noise. <b>Methods:</b> This was a repeated-measures design with three factors (SNR, noise type, and syntactic complexity).</p><p><strong>Study sample: </strong>Participants with self-reported TH (N = 153, ages 18-39 years, mean age = 20.7 years) who passed an online hearing screening were invited to complete an online questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Data collection and analysis: </strong>Participants completed a sentence recognition task under four SNRs (-6, -9, -12, and -15 dB), two syntactic complexity settings (subjective-relative and objective-relative center-embedded), and two noise types (interrupted and continuous). They were asked to listen to 64 sentences through their own headphones/earphones that were presented in an online format at a user-selected comfortable listening level. Their task was to identify the gender of the person performing the action in each sentence. <b>Results:</b> Significant main effects of all three factors as well as the SNR by noise-type two-way interaction were identified (<i>p</i> < 0.05). This interaction indicated that the effect of SNR on sentence comprehension was more pronounced in the continuous noise compared to the interrupted noise condition. <b>Conclusions:</b> Listeners with self-reported TH benefited from the glimpsing effect in the interrupted noise even under low SNRs (i.e., -15 dB). The evaluation of glimpsing may be a sensitive measure of auditory processing beyond the traditional word recognition used in clinical evaluations in persons who report hearing challenges and may hold promise for the development of auditory training programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Link Between Anxiety and Depression, and Balance in Young Adults.","authors":"Tatiana Marques, Patrícia Bernardo, Margarida Serrano","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030057","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The ability of young adults to control their balance is generally effortless and can occur automatically with minimal cognitive involvement. However, this ability may be compromised when integration conflicts arise due to impairments in vestibular, visual, or somatosensory functions. Hence, psychomotor symptoms linked to emotional states can also influence postural control. The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of anxiety and depression on balance in young adults. <b>Methods:</b> Our study included 50 young adults (21.86 ± 2.63 years), consisting of 13 males and 37 females. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while balance was assessed through the Modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation coefficient test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. <b>Results:</b> Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that young adults exhibited stable postural control. However, a positive correlation (0.259, <i>p</i> < 0.1) was observed between anxiety levels and the sway index. Additionally, positive correlations were found between anxiety and both somatosensory (0.281, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and visual (0.276, <i>p</i> < 0.1) ratios. <b>Conclusions:</b> The results suggest that higher anxiety levels are associated with reduced postural balance, with sensory inputs, particularly visual and somatosensory, playing a key role in this decreased stability.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Adolescents' Perceptions of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Greece: A Survey Study.","authors":"Ioanna Fragoulia, Nikolaos Trimmis, Voula Chris Georgopoulos","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030058","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study investigates Greek teenagers' general knowledge and perception of hearing loss, hearing aid accessibility, and the challenges associated with hearing impairment. <b>Methods</b>: A 27-item self-reported questionnaire was developed and distributed to 152 participants (aged 12-18) to assess their familiarity with hearing loss, amplification availability, communication strategies, and perceptions of hearing loss. <b>Results</b>: While 94.7% of participants recognized that hearing loss affects communication, only 10.5% correctly identified how hearing aids are accessed. Additionally, 42.1% reported having temporarily experienced some form of hearing loss. Most participants (94.7%) acknowledged communication difficulties faced by individuals with hearing loss, and only 3.4% reported being unable to communicate effectively with someone affected. Among those aware of bullying incidents involving individuals with hearing loss, 78.1% identified classmates as the primary source. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings are consistent with international research and highlight the need for targeted education, awareness initiatives, and clearer access pathways to hearing technology. Improving adolescent hearing health literacy may facilitate early intervention, reduce stigma, and promote inclusion for peers affected by hearing impairment.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unilateral Triple Canal Repositioning Maneuver: Principles and Design.","authors":"Marcello Cherchi","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030055","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common cause of dizziness over the lifespan. Management is complicated by both a diagnostic burden (correctly interpreting specific ocular motor findings) and a therapeutic burden (selecting appropriately targeted treatment maneuvers). <b>Purpose</b>: Devise a canalith repositioning maneuver to treat simultaneously benign paroxysmal positional vertigo affecting any combination of semicircular canals on one side. If clinically verified, then this will simplify management. <b>Research design</b>: After analyzing the results of a computer simulator applied to several published maneuvers for treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, we used basic principles to design a maneuver that simultaneously, for all three semicircular canals on one side, advances otoliths toward the crus of each canal and prevents retreat toward the ampule of each canal and then tested the maneuver in computer simulation. <b>Study sample</b>: Not applicable.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Not applicable.</p><p><strong>Data collection and analysis: </strong>Not applicable. <b>Results</b>: We developed a maneuver that computer simulation predicts will successfully treat simultaneously benign paroxysmal positional vertigo affecting any combination of semicircular canals on one side. <b>Conclusions</b>: This maneuver should be tested empirically as a standalone maneuver and compared to other maneuvers.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance statement: </strong>If the efficacy of this maneuver is clinically verified, then it will simplify management by diminishing the diagnostic burden (of determining affected canals) and treatment burden (of selecting the appropriately targeted maneuvers).</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101378/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction of Auditory Performance in Cochlear Implants Using Machine Learning Methods: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Beyza Demirtaş Yılmaz","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030056","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Cochlear implantation is an advantageous procedure for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss in many aspects related to auditory performance, social communication and quality of life. As machine learning applications have been used in the field of Otorhinolaryngology and Audiology in recent years, signal processing, speech perception and personalised optimisation of cochlear implantation are discussed. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and IEEE databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025. We analyzed 59 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Rayyan AI software was used to classify the studies so that the risk of bias was reduced. Study design, machine learning algorithms, and audiological measurements were evaluated in the data analysis. <b>Results:</b> Machine learning applications were classified as preoperative evaluation, speech perception, and speech understanding in noise and other studies. The success rates of the articles are presented together with the number of articles changing over the years. It was observed that Random Forest, Decision Trees (96%), Bayesian Linear Regression (96.2%) and Extreme machine learning (99%) algorithms reached high accuracy rates. <b>Conclusions:</b> In cochlear implantation applications in the field of audiology, it has been observed that studies have been carried out with a variable number of people and data sets in different subfields. In machine learning applications, it is seen that a high amount of data, data diversity and long training times contribute to achieving high performance. However, more research is needed on deep learning applications in complex problems such as comprehension in noise that require time series processing. <b>Funding and other resources:</b> This study was not funded by any institution or organization. No registration was performed for this study.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adaptation of the Kiswahili and Lingala Versions of the LittlEARS^® Auditory Questionnaire (LEAQ) in Children with Normal Hearing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).","authors":"Ismael K Byaruhanga, Frans Coninx, Karolin Schäfer","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030054","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and objective</b>: Currently, there is no universal newborn hearing (UNHS) screening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), partly due to financial and organizational reasons. The aim of this study was to adapt the LittlEARS^® Auditory Questionnaire (LEAQ) into the Kiswahili and Lingala languages for use as a screening tool for auditory development in children less than two years of age, as objective hearing screening cannot be performed nationwide. <b>Methods:</b> For this purpose, norm data were collected from <i>n</i> = 723 infants (Lingala) and <i>n</i> = 648 infants (Kiswahili) aged between 0 and 24 months in a random selection of four out of seven health zones with pediatric services in the DRC. A non-linear regression model was derived for total scores by age. Pearson correlations were performed to determine whether there were differences between total scores of the questionnaire by region (urban/rural areas). A Mann-Whitney U-test was calculated to determine if there were differences depending on who completed the questionnaire (mother/other caregiver). In addition, a one-way ANOVA was used to determine whether there were differences in the total scores of the questionnaires according to the educational background of the person completing the questionnaire. <b>Results:</b> The Pearson correlation coefficient between total scores and age was 0.81 for Kiswahili and 0.77 for Lingala. There were no significant differences in total scores for all conditions tested (total scores by age, language, region, person who completed the questionnaire, educational background). <b>Conclusions:</b> The LEAQ can be used effectively in a large region such as the DRC, regardless of the region, respondent, and the educational background.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101371/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship Between Voice Analysis and Functional Status in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.","authors":"Margarita Pérez-Bonilla, Paola Díaz Borrego, Marina Mora-Ortiz, Roberto Fernández-Baillo, María Nieves Muñoz-Alcaraz, Fernando J Mayordomo-Riera, Eloy Girela López","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030053","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons, with bulbar dysfunction manifesting in up to 80% of patients. Dysarthria, characterized by impaired speech production, is common in ALS and often correlates with disease severity. Voice analysis has emerged as a promising tool for detecting disease progression and monitoring functional status. <b>Methods:</b> This study investigates acoustic and biomechanical voice alterations in ALS patients and their association with clinical measures of functional independence. A descriptive observational case series study was conducted, involving 43 ALS patients and 43 age and sex matched controls with non-neurological voice disorders. Sustained vowel /a/ recordings were obtained and analyzed using Voice Clinical Systems^® and Praat software (version 6.2.22). Biomechanical and acoustic parameters were correlated with ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and Barthel Index scores. <b>Results:</b> Significant differences were observed between ALS and control groups (elevated muscle force and tension and interedge distance in non-ALS individuals). Between bulbar and spinal ALS subtypes, elevated values were observed in certain parameters in Bulbar ALS patients, indicating irregular vocal fold contact and weakened phonatory control, while spinal ALS exhibited increased values, suggesting higher phonatory muscle tension. Elevated biomechanical parameters were significantly correlated with low ALSFRS-R scores, suggesting a possible relationship between voice measures and functional decline. However, acoustic measurements showed no relationship with performance status. <b>Conclusions:</b> These results highlight the potential of voice analysis as a non-invasive, objective tool for monitoring ALS stage and differentiating between subtypes. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101373/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is There Incremental Benefit with Incremental Hearing Device Technology for Adults with Hearing Loss?","authors":"Vinaya Manchaiah, Sumit Dhar, Larry Humes, Anu Sharma, Brian Taylor, De Wet Swanepoel","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030052","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> This paper reviews the current research on hearing device technology, outlines key challenges, and identifies priorities for future investigation. <b>Method:</b> This paper presents an informal narrative review of the current literature on hearing technology, supplemented by expert insights to identify key challenges and future directions. <b>Results:</b> The proliferation of direct-to-consumer (DTC) hearing devices with varied features and prices underscores the need to assess whether advanced technologies offer meaningful improvements. Understanding these incremental benefits is critical for determining the minimum technology required for optimal outcomes. The paper highlights the limitations in current clinical trials, which often suffer from selection bias, and the inadequacies of existing hearing aid outcome measures that may not capture real-life benefits. It emphasizes the need for real-world evidence and the development of assessment tools that better reflect everyday experiences. While existing research provides some insights into the potential benefits of incremental advances in hearing device technology, the evidence remains inconclusive. <b>Conclusions:</b> Addressing the cost, accessibility, and technological diversity of hearing devices is crucial to advancing hearing healthcare. Future research should prioritize the development of affordable, high-quality devices and establish comprehensive outcome measures that capture real-world benefits. A deeper understanding of these factors can lead to more accessible and effective hearing care, ultimately improving quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}