Cochlear Implant Single-Unit Audio Processors in Young Children

Abstract

Background: RONDO 2 is a lightweight, compact, wirelessly charged, and fully integrated single-unit speech processor. Single-unit processors provide an effective and convenient alternative to behind-the-ear processors for adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if RONDO 2 is suitable for and did not compromise the hearing performance of young children in everyday life. Methods: Thirteen children aged <4 years were fitted with the RONDO 2 speech processor at the first activation of the cochlear implant. They were evaluated with the LittlEARS® Auditory Questionnaire, LittlEARS® Early Speech Production Questionnaire, and the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale 12 pre-implantation. In addition to these measures, they were evaluated with the Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire post-implantation. Duration of daily use and troubleshooting data were acquired. Evaluation occurred at 4 time points: before implantation and 1, 3, and 12 months post-initial activation. Results: Ten out of 13 children continued using RONDO 2 after the study. Twelve months after implantation, they used it on average 11.6 hours per day and had an average Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire score of 9.1 out of 10. Average hearing performance scores continuously improved throughout the follow-up period across measures. Twelve months after implantation, the mean scores were 30.1 out of 35 for the LittlEARS® Auditory Questionnaire, 19.9 out of 27 for the LittlEARS® Early Speech Production Questionnaire, and 7.4 out of 10 for the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale 12. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and good hearing performance with RONDO 2, which indicates that this single-unit processor could be a viable and comfortable alternative to behind-the-ear processors in young children, although larger controlled experiments are warranted.