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Conversations in quiet are affected by impaired hearing
What is it about?
In this study we explore whether the dynamics of conversations, held in quiet surroundings, between normal-hearing and hearing-impaired speakers is affected by hearing impairment and hearing-aid amplification. A special focus is put on the effect of the degree of hearing impairment experienced by the hearing-impaired speaker and the speech levels produced by both speakers.
Why is it important?
Hearing-impaired individuals don’t often report struggling to participate in one-on-one conversations in quiet, even when not wearing a hearing aid. The result of the current study shows that when the hearing-impaired speakers are not wearing hearing aids, are affected: Conversations become less interactive and both talkers speak louder. The fact that the hearing-impaired speakers do not perceive difficulties when communicating unaided in quiet, is probably because their conversation partners make up for their inability to hear by speaking louder.