Localization Performance in a Binaural Real-Time Auralization System Extended to Research Hearing Aids.

Only 15 nonexpert adults with self-reported normal hearing were tested, so the results do not directly show performance in people with hearing loss. The study measured localization of a white-noise stimulus in a lab, not speech-in-noise performance, even though speech-in-noise is mentioned as an application area. Head-tracking data were not recorded, so the authors could not confirm how much natural head movement reduced reversals. The crosstalk-cancelled loudspeaker setup was tested in a hearing booth, not a real-world listening environment, and the authors say it needs further optimization. No statistical test is reported for the reversal-rate differences in the supplied text, so the 27.8% to 18.9% reduction is descriptive. The devices were custom research hearing aids in omnidirectional mode and did not use additional multichannel hearing-aid algorithms, so the result may not reflect everyday hearing-aid use.

Funded by FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions. The supplied text gives no further conflict-of-interest declaration.

Do not conclude that combined loudspeaker and hearing-aid playback improves localization for patients with hearing loss. The study tested 15 normal-hearing adults in a lab, and angular errors did not significantly improve with the combined system compared with hearing aids alone.