Objective: This research aimed to investigate the effects of hearing aids(HAs) on sound localization in noisy environment for individuals with unilateral hearing loss(UHL). Method: The study used an experimental approach with 43 participants (22 with UHL, 21 with normal hearing). Hearing thresholds were measured at 500 - 4000 Hz using pure-tone audiometry. Sound localization experiments were conducted in a 2 m × 2 m room with five loudspeakers arranged in a semicircle, both with and without hearing aids, in a simulated noisy environment. Tests were performed at different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR 5, SNR 0, SNR -5), and localization accuracy was assessed by participants pointing to the speaker playing the target signal, ignoring background white noise. Each participant completed at least 45 trials. Data were statistically analyzed to compare localization accuracy between groups and evaluate hearing aid effectiveness in complex listening conditions. Results: Pure tone tests showed substantial hearing loss in UHL individuals’ impaired ear (40 - 80 dB HL), but aided conditions brought thresholds closer to normal hearing level. Unaided UHL individuals had lower mean correct identification rate (CIR) (26.36% at SNR 5, 23.03% at SNR 0, 22.12% at SNR -5) than aided (45.76% at SNR 5, 39.70% at SNR 0, 38.12% at SNR -5). Hearing aids reduced mean angle deviation from 74.18° (SNR 5), 76.09° (SNR 0), and 77.73° (SNR -5) unaided, to 45.82° (SNR 5), 48.41° (SNR 0), and 47.73° (SNR -5) aided. It is proven that the accuracy in sound localization is improved statistically (p-values ＜ 0.05) at all SNRs. However, a big performance gap persisted between UHL individuals using HAs and those with NH, especially under challenging SNR conditions. Conclusion: The study concludes that HAs enhance sound localization for UHL in noise although there remains a notable gap when compared to NH individuals, it proves the need for HAs technology improvement to optimize auditory outcomes for UHL individuals.
Cite this paper
Chobola, P. , Wang, Y. , Shi, W. , Wang, Y. , Xu, H. , Sheng, Y. and Tu, L. (2025). Effects of Hearing Aids on Sound Localization in Noisy Environment for Individuals with Unilateral Hearing Loss. Open Access Library Journal, 12, e3313. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1113313.
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