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The evidence behind Sound Preference

Sound Preference is grounded in research showing that people have different preferences, and explains why these differences matter. Understanding Sound Preference, and exploring it with the individual client, adds a new dimension to hearing care, enabling more personalized and effective outcomes.


When it comes to hearing, one size doesn’t fit all

~40%

of listeners show a strong and consistent preference for one of two distinct sound processing designs

85%

of hearing care professionals agree that no single hearing aid technology is best for everyone

Sound Preference as a measurable dimension in hearing aid fitting

Explore our whitepaper and get the full scientific foundation behind Sound Preference, including:

  • Methods and results from two key studies showing that up to 40% of listeners have a strong and consistent preference
  • How the reasons for preference are nuanced and personal
  • How preference may impact fittings and outcomes
Read the full whitepaper

Keep up to date with the latest Sound Preference evidence

Explore the evidence behind how people experience sound – and why it matters for personalized hearing.

Document

Sound Preference as a measurable dimension in hearing aid fitting

Evidence from comparisons of time-domain and frequency-domain processing.

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Document

Comparing time-domain and
frequency-domain processing

Preference across platforms.
 

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Document

The Sound Preference framework for personalized hearing – part 1

Sound that feels like you.
 

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Document

The Sound Preference framework for personalized hearing – part 2

Sound that becomes yours.
 

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Document

Benefits of Sound Preference in the clinical workflow

Research summary.
 

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Comparing preference across platforms

Understand how Sound Preference remains distinct and measurable across different manufacturers’ implementations of frequency-domain processing, including:

  • Studies comparing time-domain and frequency-domain processing
  • Evidence that preferences appear across different sound designs
  • Clinical implications for more personalized fittings and long-term use
Read the full whitepaper

Comparative research on two distinct sound processing approaches revealed:

  

∼20% strongly preferred time-domain processing

∼20% strongly preferred frequency-domain processing

  • Strong
    preference

    Up to 40% of listeners show a strong preference for one type of sound processing over another.

  • Consistent across environments

    Listeners tend to prefer the same sound characteristics across different listening situations.

  • Listening scenarios can reveal overall preference

    Targeted comparisons can help guide fittings.

  • Not predictable
    beforehand

    Sound preference cannot be predicted by age, hearing loss, or lifestyle.

  • Supports truly personalized fittings

    Considering Sound Preference may improve comfort, acclimatization, and long-term satisfaction.

The Sound Preference framework for personalized hearing – part 1

Learn how Sound Preference is formed – and why it matters for long‑term hearing aid success:

  • Why the same sound can feel right to one person and wrong to another
  • The psychological and neurological foundations of Sound Preference
  • How Sound Preference shapes comfort, ease, and hearing aid use
  • Implications for clinical practice and long‑term hearing aid use
Read the full whitepaper

The Sound Preference framework for personalized hearing – part 2

Learn how empowering people to have a more active role in shaping their hearing experience can strengthen engagement, confidence, and long-term outcomes:

  • The Sound Preference Approach: Supporting autonomy and engagement
  • Sound Preference Exploration: A structured way to discover listening preferences
  • Clinical implications: Integrating Sound Preference into everyday practice
Read the full whitepaper

 

Sound Preference supports
truly personalized care benefits

  • Stronger clinical
    conversations

     

    90%

    of HCPs report that the Sound Preference Approach supports their clinical conversations

  • Improved early
    outcome    s

     

    75%

    of HCPs report better outcomes when discussing Sound Preference at the initial appointment.

  • Higher sales &
    fewer returns     

     

    60%

    of HCPs reported an increase in sales and and fewer returns when using the Sound Preference Approach.

Get in touch

 

If you have any questions or comments regarding Sound Preference, our research, or other hearing care related topics, feel free to reach out.

Contact us