Characterization and Prediction of Speech Intelligibility at the Output of Hearing Aids in a Noisy Working Environment.

Objective: Hearing aids are more and more technically advanced, but do not necessarily guarantee the reproduction of useful signals in all working environments. This is particularly the case for speech intelligibility. This study focuses on the prediction of hearing aid performance in the case of a moderate deafness setting, in service and industrial work environments.

A new device for real-time peroperative monitoring of ossicular chain reconstruction during middle ear surgery.

To limit functional surgical failure and reduce the rate of revision surgery in case of surgical ossicular chain reconstruction, a piezoelectric device was developed for assessment of ossicular chain vibrations during the middle ear surgery. The device resembled a pen and consisted of a reusable main body and a disposable sensitive head including piezoelectric polymer sensor. Almost all of components of the device were made of polymer for light weight and for acoustic impedance matching to the middle ear system.

Auditory fatigue among call dispatchers working with headsets.

Objectives: To determine whether call center dispatchers wearing headsets are subject to auditory fatigue at the end of a work shift.

Material And Methods: Data was gathered at times when call centers were busiest. All call operators wore a headset for up to 12 h.