Hearing Amplification Systems (HA and SHAA)
A pilot study that conducted behavioral evaluations of 3 SHAAs provided the evidence used to select an SHAA for this study [For the conventional HA, we used the Siya 1 miniRITE (Oticon A/S), coupled with two 85-dB receivers and single closed ear tips. The Siya 1 miniRITE is an essential-level HA, first introduced in 2018 with 48 channels and 10 adjustable bands. The Siya 1 miniRITE has basic modern digital HA technology including advanced feedback management, noise reduction, and multiband directionality. During the study, special functions of the Siya 1 miniRITE were activated, including instantaneous noise management, binaural bandwidth processing, and a feedback shield. However, noise reduction was not activated. All participants used each method, alternating at 2 months. Before the study, all measurement materials were calibrated.