NAL-NL3: A New Era Begins in Hearing Aid Fitting

The National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) has introduced a brand-new system by updating NAL-NL2 — one of the most widely used fitting formulas in the world and long in use: NAL-NL3.

Key Features of NAL-NL3

NAL-NL3 was developed to optimize speech intelligibility and sound naturalness for hearing aid users. The new formula aims to provide personalized targeting based on the user's age and hearing loss profile.

• Higher Speech Intelligibility: Focuses on maximizing speech intelligibility for users with different types and degrees of hearing loss.
• Naturalness and Comfort in Sound Quality: Aims for sounds to be perceived more naturally and comfortably rather than merely being amplified.

Comment: Hearing aid users often report that sounds are "mechanical" or "uncomfortable." NAL-NL3's goal of natural sound quality could increase user satisfaction at precisely this point.

How Does NAL-NL3 Work?

Machine Learning & Artificial Neural Networks

NAL-NL3 was built with advanced machine learning algorithms and neural network technologies that analyze millions of past fitting examples. This allows the most suitable amplification patterns to be determined automatically based on the user profile, and the system can make more accurate predictions for new users by "learning" from previous examples.

Large-Scale Normative Dataset

NAL supports the formula's reliability with a broad dataset derived from hundreds of thousands of fitting examples. This makes the target values statistically robust and generalizable.

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)

NAL-NL3 was also shaped by more than 10,000 momentary user feedback reports gathered from real-world listening experiences. In this way, the formula seeks answers not only to "audibility" but also to the question "how is it heard in real life?"

These new modules make it possible to develop fitting strategies tailored to each user's individual needs.

Conclusion

NAL-NL3 opens the door to an era in hearing aid fitting approaches that is more personalized and that prioritizes the user experience.