목적: This study aimed to explore whether the use of a soundbar equipped with a hearing-aid algorithm (M1 mode) helps improve speech intelligibility in individuals with hearing loss. The objective was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a new type of soundbar-based listening assistance designed to support clearer speech perception in home environments. 방법:An interim analysis was conducted with adult participants with hearing loss whose native language was Korean (average hearing threshold in the better ear ≥ 26 dB HL). After screening through otoscopic examination, pure-tone audiometry, and speech audiometry, participants underwent sound-field pure-tone audiometry, sound-field speech audiometry, and speech intelligibility testing in noise under two conditions: the soundbar’s general mode and the M1 mode. In addition, subjective preference was evaluated using the Comparison Category Rating (CCR; −3 to +3 scale) with news audio that included background noise. 결과:In sound-field pure-tone audiometry, the mean threshold was 51.24 dB SPL in the general mode and 47.5 dB SPL in M1 mode, showing an average improvement of 3.7 dB SPL. In sound-field speech audiometry, performance improved from 80.6% in general mode to 84.0% in M1 mode, an increase of 3.4%. In speech intelligibility testing in noise, scores improved from 69.4% in general mode to 73.9% in M1 mode, a 4.5% increase. The CCR survey showed an average score of 1.43, indicating an overall preference for M1 mode. 결론:The M1 mode soundbar equipped with a hearing-aid algorithm demonstrated consistent improvements in sound-field hearing thresholds and speech intelligibility compared with the general mode. Subjective evaluations also showed a positive preference for the M1 mode. These findings suggest the potential of this device as an assistive solution to support speech transmission for individuals with hearing loss in home environments. However, individual differences related to acoustic preference should be considered.