How does an occlusion effect influence hearing thresholds?

The occlusion effect refers to the phenomenon where sounds, particularly those generated within the body (like one's own voice or breathing), are perceived differently when the ear canal is blocked, such as by an earplug or a hearing aid earmold. When the ear canal is occluded, low-frequency sound waves have a tendency to bounce back and forth within the canal, enhancing the perception of sound at those frequencies. Consequently, this effect can lead to a significant alteration in hearing thresholds, especially for low-frequency sounds.

Higher thresholds mean that less sound intensity is needed for a person to detect the sound while their ear canal is occluded compared to when it is open. Therefore, individuals may experience improvements in perceived loudness and clarity, which can vary from person to person. This can also complicate the assessment of hearing thresholds when fitting hearing aids, as the occlusion effect might mask true hearing capabilities.

By recognizing that the occlusion effect can significantly alter hearing thresholds, hearing aid specialists can better address these variations when fitting devices and monitoring patient responses to ensure optimal hearing health and satisfaction.