It does not always ring a bell: music perception in hearing aid users
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33871/2317417X.2026.23.11508Keywords:
Music, Musical perception., Hearing impairment, Hearing aids.Abstract
Introduction: The experience of music can be challenging for individuals with hearing loss who use hearing aids, due to differences between the spectral characteristics of music and speech, the specific features of hearing loss, and the processing of musical stimuli by the device. Objective: To evaluate music perception in individuals with hearing loss who use hearing aids. Method: This descriptive quantitative study compared music perception between hearing aid users and normal-hearing listeners, as well as the performance of hearing aid users with and without the device, using using the BATUTA Musical Perception Test. Results: The sample comprised 51 normal-hearing listeners and 31 hearing aid users; among the latter, 20 completed the test under both conditions. The Mann–Whitney test revealed a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.001), with better performance among normal-hearing listeners. Linear regression analysis confirmed a significant association between performance and hearing status. The Wilcoxon test showed no significant difference between performance with and without the device. Conclusion: No statistically significant benefit of hearing aid use for music perception was observed under the evaluated conditions.
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