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J Am Acad Audiol 2017; 28(01): 046-057
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.15135
Articles
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Evaluation of a Wind Noise Attenuation Algorithm on Subjective Annoyance and Speech-in-Wind Performance

Petri Korhonen
*   Widex Office of Research in Clinical Amplification (ORCA-US), Lisle, IL
,
Francis Kuk
*   Widex Office of Research in Clinical Amplification (ORCA-US), Lisle, IL
,
Eric Seper
*   Widex Office of Research in Clinical Amplification (ORCA-US), Lisle, IL
,
Martin Mørkebjerg
†   Widex A/S, Lynge, Denmark
,
Majken Roikjer
†   Widex A/S, Lynge, Denmark
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 June 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Background:

Wind noise is a common problem reported by hearing aid wearers. The MarkeTrak VIII reported that 42% of hearing aid wearers are not satisfied with the performance of their hearing aids in situations where wind is present.

Purpose:

The current study investigated the effect of a new wind noise attenuation (WNA) algorithm on subjective annoyance and speech recognition in the presence of wind.

Research Design:

A single-blinded, repeated measures design was used.

Study Sample:

Fifteen experienced hearing aid wearers with bilaterally symmetrical (≤10 dB) mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Subjective rating for wind noise annoyance was measured for wind presented alone from 0° and 290° at wind speeds of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 m/sec. Phoneme identification performance was measured using Widex Office of Clinical Amplification Nonsense Syllable Test presented at 60, 65, 70, and 75 dB SPL from 270° in the presence of wind originating from 0° at a speed of 5 m/sec.

Results:

The subjective annoyance from wind noise was reduced for wind originating from 0° at wind speeds from 4 to 7 m/sec. The largest improvement in phoneme identification with the WNA algorithm was 48.2% when speech was presented from 270° at 65 dB SPL and the wind originated from 0° azimuth at 5 m/sec.

Conclusion:

The WNA algorithm used in this study reduced subjective annoyance for wind speeds ranging from 4 to 7 m/sec. The algorithm was effective in improving speech identification in the presence of wind originating from 0° at 5 m/sec. These results suggest that the WNA algorithm used in the current study could expand the range of real-life situations where a hearing-impaired person can use the hearing aid optimally.

Key Words

assistive listening devices - hearing aids - noise reduction - wind noise
 

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