Speech Mapping and Probe Microphone Measurements

Written in an engaging, easy-to-read format by three of the industry's leading experts, Speech Mapping and Probe Microphone Measurements is an essential clinical companion for all practitioners fitting and dispensing hearing aids.

The key to successful hearing aid fittings is the patient-specific programming of gain and output. As outlined in all Best Practices Guidelines, the cornerstone of this process is the real-ear verification. Although speech mapping and probe-microphone measures have been used clinically for decades, new techniques and procedures continue to emerge. This is the first handbook to be published in 25 years that is dedicated to this critical clinical measure.

Starting with an emphasis on evidenced-based practice, and the need to develop a well-researched gold standard, ''Speech Mapping and Probe Microphone Measurements'' takes you through the process of conducting valid and reliable speech mapping testing. Following a review of the basics of signal types, presentation levels, patient and probe positioning, the chapters flow to the patient-centered real-ear verification process. In addition to extensive step-by-step guidelines regarding the routine testing and adjustment of gain and output, protocols for the evaluation of special features and fittings also are outlined. As a bonus, the authors provide a review of how speech mapping findings can be used with other measures that are part of the overall hearing aid fitting protocol.

H. Gustav Mueller, PhD, is a Professor of Audiology at Vanderbilt University and holds faculty positions with the University of Northern Colorado and Rush University. He is the senior audiology consultant for the Sivantos Hearing Group and contributing editor for AudiologyOnline. Dr. Mueller is a founder of the American Academy of Audiology and a fellow of the American Speech and Hearing Association. He has published extensively in the areas of diagnostic audiology and hearing aid applications and has coauthored several books, including the Audiologists' Desk Reference (Volumes I and II), Fitting and Dispensing Hearing Aids (first edition), and Modern Hearing Aids (Volumes I and II).

Todd A. Ricketts, PhD, CCC-A, is a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the director of graduate studies in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, and the director of the Dan Maddox Hearing Aid Research Laboratory. He is a fellow of the American Speech and Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Ricketts' research focuses on various aspects of hearing, hearing aids, and cochlear implants, and he has published more than 100 articles and book chapters on the topics.

Ruth Bentler, PhD, CCC-A, is professor and chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorder at the University of Iowa. A native Iowan, Dr. Bentler did not stray far from her roots, as her 40-year professional career has been at the University of Iowa, where she also obtained her professional degrees. She is a fellow of the American Speech and Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. As the director of the Hearing Aid Laboratory for Basic and Applied Research, Dr. Bentler has been involved in numerous research endeavors involving the effectiveness of modern hearing aid features. She teaches graduate courses related to hearing aids and adult auditory rehabilitation, and has published more than 100 articles and book chapters on the topic.