Effects of PSAPs on Speech Processing

Difference in EEG measure of wave amplitude with and without PSAPs,Difference in EEG measure of wave latency with and without PSAPs,Difference in EEG measure of wave oscillations with and without PSAPs,Difference in EEG measure of connectivity strength with and without PSAPs,Difference in the percentage of correct responses with and without PSAPs,Difference in reaction time with and without PSAPs,Difference in sensitivity with and without PSAPs,Difference in criterion with and without PSAPs

Mild to moderate hearing loss remains undertreated, largely because of the high cost of
 hearing aids. A promising and much less expensive alternative is the use of personal sound
 amplification products (PSAPs), which are electronic, portable, over-the-counter devices that
 amplify sound. Studies have shown that the use of PSAPs provides significant hearing benefits
 and improves the quality of life for older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
 However, there is insufficient data to determine the impact of PSAPs use on speech processing
 in the brain.
 
 The purpose of this study is to use electroencephalography (EEG) measurements to assess the
 neurobiological and behavioral effects of PSAPs on speech perception in noise in individuals
 with mild to moderate hearing loss.
 
 The investigators expect that the PSAPs use will result in an immediate improvement in the
 ability to perceive speech-in-noise, supporting that these hearing devices may be a means of
 restoring communication skills in people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Behavioral
 benefits will be associated with increased brain activity in auditory regions and
 connectivity between auditory and speech regions in the brain.