PP404 - Acceptable Noise Level and Preferred Music Listening Level

Abstract:
The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) test helps predict hearing aid success based on the amount of background noise a person can comfortably tolerate while listening to ongoing speech. Individuals with lower ANLs have been shown to accept higher levels of background noise and subsequently more successful utilizing amplification.

This study's sought to determine if an individual’s ANL are related to their preferred listening level for music (soft, moderate, or loud). Participants were categorized to their preferred listing level and ANL levels. Results showed statistical differences in ANL between groups, suggesting louder preferred listening levels are associated with lower ANLs.

Summary:
The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL) was developed to examine the relationship between an individual’s acceptance of background noise and pattern of hearing aid use. It’s assumed individuals tolerating louder noise levels are more likely to accept amplification. Measuring preferred listening levels to music may provide indicators in predicting ANL’s for amplification usage

The ANL is a measure allowing predictability in amplification use by quantifying tolerance to background noise (ongoing speech) utilized as a predictor prior to amplification fitting. ANL is the difference between patients most comfortable listening level (MCL), and amount of background noise level (BNL) tolerated. Low ANL (less than 7 dB) associated with greater acceptance of background noise, high ANL (greater than 13 dB) associated with greater intolerance (Nabelek et al., 2006).

Music has been shown to have more complex effects on individuals and suggested that preference in music may factor the acceptance of background noise.

Gordon-Hickey and Moore (2007) predicted music would yield lower ANLs than background noise (speech) and influence ANL. They found listeners accept higher levels of background noise when listening with music, however, no correlation between music preference and ANL was found.

This study investigated the relationship between ANL and preferred listening level (PPL) of music.

Thirty normal hearing volunteers participated. Each participant listened to 60 seconds of a pop song on an iPhone (EarPods). Participants were asked to adjust the volume to find their preferred listening level (volume range of 16 clicks) from 1 (lowest) to 16 (full). Average volume level of the song was measured in dBA. The 16 clicks of volume on the iPhone corresponded to an overall range of intensities from 54 dBA to 119 dBA. Participants were divided into 3 categories: soft (63 to 73 dBA), medium (78 to 91 dBA), and loud (95 to 103 dBA).

ANOVA was run to determine the relationship between preferred listening levels, MCL, BNL and ANL. Statistically significant differences were found between the 3 listening level groups. Results support the hypothesis that louder preferred listening levels of music are associated with lower ANLs when compared to softer preferred listening levels. Average ANL for the loud group (4.5 dB) is considered a low ANL. Nabelek et. al (2006) predicted with 85% accuracy that patients with low ANLs (less than 7 dB) were more likely to become successful hearing aid users. The average ANLs of participants who preferred soft or moderate music fell into the mid-range of 7 dB to 13 dB, where they may or may not show success with amplification.

In conclusion, individuals who prefer loud music may show greater success with amplification to those preferring soft/moderate music. Clinically, implications may be helpful in discussion the patients about preferred listening level. If the patient does not like loud music, the clinician should be aware of the likelihood of future complaints about background noise with the hearing aids.