International Journal of Speech and Audiology

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Oticon More hearing aid in improving speech recognition and reducing cognitive load in adults with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, compared to the Oticon Opn S. A double-blind, cross-over design was employed, with 60 participants who underwent two 4-week phases using each hearing aid model, separated by a 2-week washout period. Speech recognition was assessed using the English Matrix Test in both quiet and noisy environments. Cognitive load was measured using a dual-task paradigm, with participants completing a memory task while engaged in speech recognition tests. User satisfaction was evaluated using a subjective questionnaire at the conclusion of each phase.

The results indicated that participants using the Oticon More achieved significantly higher speech recognition scores in both quiet and noisy conditions compared to those using the Oticon Opn S. In quiet environments, the Oticon More group had a mean score of 85% compared to 78% for the Opn S (p < 0.001). In noisy environments, the Oticon More group outperformed the Opn S by 7%, with a mean score of 72% vs. 65% (p < 0.001). Additionally, cognitive load scores were significantly lower for the Oticon More users, with a mean score of 12.4, compared to 18.1 for the Opn S group (p < 0.001). User satisfaction was also higher for the Oticon More group, with a mean score of 4.5 vs. 3.9 for the Opn S (p < 0.001).

In conclusion, the Oticon More demonstrated superior performance in improving speech recognition and reducing cognitive load compared to the Opn S. These findings support the integration of advanced hearing aid technologies, such as the Oticon More, in clinical settings to enhance auditory processing and overall user satisfaction in adults with hearing loss.