Effectiveness of Low Cut Modified Amplification using Receiver in the Canal Hearing Aid in Individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Introduction The studies on hearing aid benefit in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) shows limited benefit. Low cut modified amplification is found to be effective in few individuals with ANSD. With advancement in technology, receiver in the canal (RIC) hearing aids have proven to be more effective than traditional behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. Objective Thus, the present study attempts to determine the effectiveness of low cut modified amplification using RIC and BTE. Method Twenty participants with ANSD were fitted with BTE and RIC using traditional and low cut modified amplification. We divided them into good and poor performers based on unaided speech identification scores (SIS). We then compared aided SIS and aided benefit across conditions in good and poor performers with ANSD across both conditions using BTE and RIC. Results The results of the study showed that the aided performance improved with low cut modified amplification in both BTE and RIC hearing aids. The improvement noticed with low-cut modified fitting with RIC was significant in more than BTE, especially in good performers with ANSD. Conclusion The improved clarity and naturalness of sound with RIC may have led to better aided scores and better acceptance of the hearing aid. Thus, low-cut modified amplification, preferably with RIC, needs to be attempted in fitting individuals with ANSD, especially in those with good unaided SIS in quiet.

Effectiveness of Channel-Free Hearing Aid and Noise Desensitisation Training in Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder - Single Case Study

“…The channel-free hearing aid was found to be more beneficial for this client. Similar findings were reported by Prabhu & Barman (2016). ANSD patients have impaired temporal perception [15] , spectral smearing and abnormal spectral integration.…”

“…Low-frequency cut given also improves the speech clarity by reducing the upward spread of masking [19] . They claimed that people with ANSD experience speech primarily through high--frequency information.…”

“…When compared to typical behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, receiver in the canal (RIC) hearing aids are said to improve speech clarity. [19] . That could be attributed to the fact that the hearing aid users often experience a more natural and clear sound quality when the ear canal is open.…”

Behavioural and Electrophysiological Correlates of Aided Performance in Individuals with Late Onset Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: A Review

“…Similarly, Prabhu and Barman [ 27 ] compared aided benefit in individuals with late onset ANSD using receiver in the canal (RIC) and behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. Aided benefit was compared between these two hearing aids using conventional and low cut amplification.…”