@article{Angeliki:2026,
author = {Angeliki, M and Picinali, L and Vicente, T},
journal = {npj Acoustics},
title = {A pilot study to assess the challenges and efficacy of two hearing loss simulations},
year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
AB  - Developing accurate and customisable hearing loss (HL) simulations is crucial for understanding and raising awareness of the challenge faced by individuals with HL. This pilot study assesses challenges in perceptually validating two real-time audio effects plugin HL simulations: the 3D Tune-In (3DTI) Toolkit and the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) plugin. Both simulatecommon HL deficits, with 3DTI offering greater customization. A pilot listening study was conducted involving normal-hearing listeners with simulated HL and those with real HL, focusing on mild-to-moderate high-frequency hearing loss. Audiometric tests and psychoacoustic tasks were employed, including gap and tone detection in noise, perceived sound intensity, andintelligibility tests. Results from two real HL listeners guided simulation adjustments for normal-hearing participants. Initial findings suggest reasonable accuracy in replicating spectral resolution and perceived sound intensity, but variability in intelligibility and temporal resolution tests indicates room for improvement in both implementations. This study highlights the need forenhanced customisation to improve accuracy and applicability, offering insights into development challenges. Furthermore, the employed methodology proves to be effective, offering valuable insight into challenges and biases that can occur during testing sessions, while highlighting the necessity for further research. This could include additional HL listeners in order to refine and develop more precise tools for understanding and addressing HL.
AU  - Angeliki,M
AU  - Picinali,L
AU  - Vicente,T
PY  - 2026///
SN  - 3005-141X
TI  - A pilot study to assess the challenges and efficacy of two hearing loss simulations
T2  - npj Acoustics
ER  - 

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