Exploring the influence of listening motivation on real-world listening experiences of adult hearing aid users

Previous research suggests that listening intent modulates real-world listening experiences, as captured through ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). Self-reported listening experiences may be described more fully when information about the acoustic environments (e.g., sound pressure level, SPL, and signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) as well as the physiological state of the listener (e.g., heart rate) is available. The Framework for Understanding Effortful Listening (FUEL) postulates that listening effort, as reflected in subjective reports or physiological measures, is affected by both acoustic factors (or ‘listening demands’) and listening motivation. So far, however, the role of listening motivation for these associations has only been studied in laboratory settings; its relevance for real-world contexts is therefore unclear.

In two previous studies, we established associations between self-reported listening experiences, as captured by EMA ratings, and various listening intents and acoustic factors such as SPL and SNR. Building upon this research, we here investigate associations between EMA ratings of listening motivation and heart rate across different listening intents and acoustic conditions. More specifically, we focus on the contrast between speech communication-related situations and passive listening situations.

Using a single-blinded, counterbalanced crossover study design, we tested 25 adults with symmetrical mild-to-moderate hearing losses who were fitted with hearing aids (HAs). Over a 2-week trial period, they reported their listening experiences and intentions using a smartphone app, with listening motivation assessed via ratings of the importance of being able to hear well. The participants’ HAs provided in-situ estimates of the ambient SPL and SNR every 20 seconds. Moreover, wristbands worn by the participants provided continuous heart rate and heart-rate variability data.

We hypothesize that the collected data will reveal an association between increased heart rate and high listening motivation, particularly in speech communication-related situations as compared to passive listening situations. We anticipate that the results will enhance our understanding of real-world listening motivation in HA users, shedding light on its interplay with acoustic factors, heart rate, and listening intents.