Predicting Real-World Remote Microphone Speech Perception Performance Through Simulated Electroacoustic Verification

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate remote microphone performance across three hearing aid brands using various simulated electroacoustic verification methods to optimize speech perception outcomes in a real-world environment. METHOD: This study was conducted using manikin recordings at varying azimuth angles between a simulated talker and listeners at a real-world gymnasium and employing a predictive speech perception metric (Hearing Aid Speech Perception Index). The listener manikins were programmed to simulate mild, sloping hearing loss and fitted with three brands of premium receiver-in-canal hearing aids, including their respective proprietary remote microphones (both low and high technology levels). Remote microphones were verified electroacoustically in a test box for transparency and maximum audible output frequency (MAOF), alongside signal-processing features. RESULTS: Remote microphone verification using MAOF was a strong predictor of remote microphone performance in the real-world gymnasium. Furthermore, remote microphones consistently produced higher speech perception scores relative to hearing aids alone across all brands, regardless of the factor of azimuth. CONCLUSIONS: Remote microphone verification using MAOF, alongside the recommended transparency approach, can support optimal real-world performance. Future behavioral assessments of remote microphones in real-world environments with individuals with hearing loss are discussed. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.32065932.