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May 1, 2004

Technology improves hearing and speech

From: Big News Network.com, Australia - May 1, 2004

U.S. researchers said adding hearing aids to cochlear implants helps improve speech understanding and sound quality for implant users.

Researchers at Purdue University found that by applying advanced hearing aid technologies -- such as preprocessors -- to cochlear implants, they can reduce background noise, enhance speech understanding and improve sound quality.

Hearing aid technologies, many of which are not available in cochlear implants, are more advanced in reducing different types of background noises and increasing convenience. Meanwhile, cochlear implant technologies have advanced coding strategies, miniaturization and electrode mechanics.

By combining the two technologies, the researchers said, cochlear implant users can understand speech better and be more comfortable when they listen in background noise.

Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers from hearing impairment, and the number is expected to grow as the population ages.

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