Hearing aid acclimatization in adults with hearing impairment

Auditory acclimatization is referred to as the improvement in performance over a period of hearing aid use. Most studies on acclimatization have used speech in noise test as the primary measure to explore such effect. The current study is aimed at investigating evidence of the acclimatization effect using the test of auditory processing like low redundant speech tests which reflect intrinsic changes of the auditory system. The study was carried out in two phases, viz. a baseline and a follow-up assessment phase (after 12 weeks of hearing aid use). Both the assessments comprised of monaural low redundant tests (Quick speech in noise in Kannada, low-pass filtered speech test in Kannada, compressed speech test). All the tests showed a significant improvement after 12 weeks of hearing aid use indicating acclimatization effect, except for the compressed speech test. Improved performance over the initial period of hearing aid use (acclimatization) would probably indicate the potential restoration of neurons which were not previously available. It also indices the ability of reorganization/adaptability in the central auditory system. The current study also revealed the influence of choice of test on acclimatization. Further, time altered speech perception ability remains impaired in hearing impaired individuals irrespective of hearing aid amplification or acclimatization.