Updated: March 31, 2006

Investigator:

Cynthia Compton Conley, Ph.D.
Claire Marcus Bernstein, Ph.D.

Purpose of this study:

To develop, evaluate, and validate a software program designed to assist audiologists in: 1) analyzing individual receptive communication needs; and 2) selecting appropriate hearing assistance technology (HAT) for the enhancement of receptive communication, for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Project Description:

The objective of this project is to integrate the most current questionnaire developed by Compton (2003) into an interactive software package that can be used by audiologists to: 1) assess an individual’s receptive communication needs; 2) select appropriate HT; and 3) determine what training may be necessary to facilitate meeting of the identified communication needs. The expected outcomes of the project include (1) more standardized and comprehensive evaluation of the receptive communication needs and recommendation of more appropriate hearing aids and other auditory, visual, and vibrotactile technologies for receptive communication access; (2) better integration of recommendations for technology and training for individuals with hearing difficulty.

Project Progress:

A second pilot using 50 subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss has commenced. Responses on the questionnaire will be analyzed to determine patterns/trends that can be used to develop in-depth receptive communication profiles and solution sets. Subjects will then be interviewed to determine how satisfactory the solution sets are. Once it is determined that the solution sets are appropriate, then the development of software to be used to determine solution sets for each subject will begin.

Recent publications or presentations:

Compton-Conley, C. (2005). Hearing assistance technology needs assessment profile (HATNAP): A web-based system designed to enable consumers to navigate through their own receptive communication needs assessment. Presented at the Third International Adult Aural Rehabilitation Conference and International Sensory Aids Conference. Portland, Maine. May 9 12.

Compton-Conley, C. (2005) One-day workshop on the fitting and marketing of assistive technology. Annual Convention of the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Jackson, Mississippi. April 7-9.

Compton-Conley, C. (2005). Assistive listening devices for use in everyday living. Presented at the Consumer Workshop on Hearing and Balance Issues, hosted by the American Academy of Audiology Convention. April 1.

Compton-Conley, C. L. (2005). Assistive Listening Devices. Chapter appearing in the publication: Your Guide to Better Hearing. Published by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), Alexandria, VA. This publication is available in print as well as on line: http://www.betterhearing.org/professionals/

For more information, contact: Cynthia Compton Conley, Ph.D.