340 - NAL-NL3: What’s Changing in Hearing Aid Fitting—and Why It Matters

The NAL-NL3 fitting algorithm is now entering clinical practice, following GN’s recent global rollout—marking a significant evolution from the widely used NL2 standard. In this discussion, Pádraig Kitterick of the National Acoustic Laboratories explains how NL3 moves beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach, introducing new modules designed for real-world listening challenges, including speech in noise and individuals with minimal or no measurable hearing loss.Drawing on large-scale clinical data and newer computational methods, NL3 refines gain prescriptions, improves fitting for complex hearing losses, and introduces a new philosophy for noisy environments—aiming to maintain intelligibility while improving listening comfort. The approach reflects how clinicians are already adjusting fittings in practice and builds those insights directly into the algorithm.In this updated segment, Andrew Bellavia adds new context and real-world impressions after trialing NL3-based fittings, offering perspective on how the noise module performs in everyday environments. As NL3 begins rolling out globally, this conversation provides a timely look at what may shape the next standard in hearing aid fitting.GN announcement of the global NAL-NL3 rollout: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2026/resound-fitting-software-nl3/Learn more about the work NAL is doing at: https://www.nal.gov.au/Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/