Objective: To assess the speech perception benefits of binaural streaming technology for bilateral hearing aid users in two difficult listening conditions.
Design: Two studies were conducted to compare hearing aid processing features relating to telephone use and wind noise. Speech perception testing was conducted in four different experimental conditions in each study.
Study sample: Ten bilaterally-aided children in each study.
Results: Significant improvements in speech perception were obtained with a wireless feature for telephone use. Significant speech perception benefits were also obtained with wireless hearing aid features when listening to speech in simulated wind noise.
Conclusions: Binaural signal processing algorithms can significantly improve speech perception for bilateral hearing aid users in challenging listening situations.
Keywords: Hearing aids; hearing aid satisfaction; noise; speech perception.