OBJECTIVES: A recent study found that hearing aids fitted with highly occluding domes had an impact on the perception of externally presented speech, producing sound images that were perceived as too close or even inside the head. The present study examined whether this phenomenon is related to the well-known occlusion effect, which describes changes in ear canal levels and perceived own-voice quality during...
When selecting dome or earmold style, clinicians should consider that highly occluding fittings may degrade sound externalization and worsen own-voice naturalness — prefer open or vented coupling when these complaints are prominent.
Understanding the perceptual trade-offs of occluding fittings can guide dome and earmold selection to improve hearing-aid comfort and acceptance.
- 01Highly occluding domes negatively affect sound externalization in adult hearing-aid users.
- 02Own-voice perception is altered by occluding dome styles, contributing to user dissatisfaction.
- 03Occlusion effect and sound externalization appear to be related but distinct perceptual phenomena.
- 04Findings published in Ear & Hearing, a peer-reviewed audiology journal.
- 05Results have direct implications for dome/earmold counseling and fitting decisions.
Highly occluding hearing-aid domes reduce sound externalization in adults.
studysupportedOccluding domes alter own-voice perception in hearing-aid users.
studysupportedOcclusion and sound externalization are related but distinct perceptual constructs.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42478026
- DOI
- 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001870.
- Journal
- Ear and Hearing
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Adults with hearing aids fitted with highly occluding domes
- Intervention
- Highly occluding hearing-aid dome fittings
- Comparator
- Less occluding or open dome fittings
Primary outcomes
Sound externalization; Own-voice perception; Occlusion effect