Technology Update SessionSession 2A Hearing aid manufacturers have differing scientifically driven approaches to signal processing. Additionally, as modern hearing aids integrate more so-called AI-based “black box” technology into their devices, it becomes more challenging to observe how many of their signal processing features work and how they may differ across brands. This session sheds light on this challenge and is divided into two parts: Using common audiogram configurations, we illustrate the default gain, output and compression differences at first-fit for two leading brands. We then discuss the underlying signal processing differences between two leading hearing aid brands and how these design differences in architecture can influence hearing aid selection and fitting decisions when fitting older adults. Brian Taylor, AuD, is the senior director of audiology for WS Audiology. Dr. Taylor also serves as the editor of Audiology Practices, a quarterly publication of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and an adjunct instructor at the University of Wisconsin. Brian has more than 30 years of clinical, business and teaching experience.
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