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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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Open Access 01-09-2020 | Otology

Can we predict the altered subjective quality assessment of sound after ear canal surgery?

Authors: M. R. Zwemstra, P. Brienesse, F. A. Ebbens, M. J. F. de Wolf, E. van Spronsen

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 9/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To correlate the subjective quality assessment of ear canal acoustics of the participants to the objective measurement of the ear canal acoustics. The objective ear canal acoustics is the frequency-dependent modulation of soundwaves through the ear canal. Our second objective is to design a model to predict the subjective quality of sound based on the altered objective ear canal acoustics.

Methods

To determine the frequency-dependent modulation of the soundwaves the real-ear unaided gain (REUG) of the ear canal is measured. 40 participants with normal hearing were presented six simulated sound fragments representing the acoustic properties of six different ear canals (REUG). These six sound fragments were built based on the difference between these six REUGs and the average REUG of a normal adult ear canal. Subjective sound quality was evaluated using a VAS score and a paired comparison score.

Results

We found a strong correlation between the objective ear canal acoustics and the subjective assessment of the quality of sound (Spearman’s rho—0.89). Our linear mixed VAS model for individual participants has an intercept of 95.6 and a slope of − 4.2 (p < 0.001). The paired comparison analysis endorsed our findings that an increased difference in REUG is predictive for a decreased quality assessment of ear canal acoustics.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between the subjective evaluation of ear canal acoustics and the objective quality assessment of ear canal acoustics. Our models show that an increased difference in REUG predicts a decreased quality of ear canal acoustics.

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Title: Can we predict the altered subjective quality assessment of sound after ear canal surgery?
Authors: M. R. Zwemstra
P. Brienesse
F. A. Ebbens
M. J. F. de Wolf
E. van Spronsen
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 9/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-05971-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Can we predict the altered subjective quality assessment of sound after ear canal surgery?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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