Who Are Candidates for Nonlinear Frequency Compression?
Nonlinear frequency compression (NFC) such as Phonaks proprietary SoundRecover algorithm compensates for hearing loss in frequency ranges where traditional amplification on its own does not provide sufficient benefit. SoundRecover is designed to compress and thereby shift high frequencies into an adjacent area of audible hearing, without compressing or altering frequencies below the SoundRecover kneepoint. This unique approach results in the absence of artifact, and enables improved speech understanding as well as audibility of high-frequency cues such as birds singing, alarm clocks, and the like. In addition, SoundRecover is designed to eliminate the interfering feedback and discomfort that often results from high levels of high frequency amplification. The effectiveness and benefits of NFC have been shown for all degrees of hearing loss. Most recently, Glista et al. (2009) evaluated NFC with children and adults with sloping, high frequency hearing loss. The studys group level results
