Hearing devices for children with unilateral hearing loss: Patient- and parent-reported perspectives

Abstract

Objective Management of children with unilateral hearing loss is not standardized. The primary goal of this study was to elicit patient- and parent-reported perspectives regarding usage of hearing devices in pediatric UHL and to suggest a basic algorithmic approach to management. Methods Our tertiary care center recruited families of youth ages 5 to 19 years with unilateral hearing loss from January 2014 through October 2015. Parents of all youths completed a 36-item survey, and some youth ages 11 to 19 years participated in hour-long interviews. We assessed patterns of hearing device usage among participants, and performed qualitative data analysis to understand factors considered by youths when deciding whether or not to use a hearing device. Results Survey information was collected for 50 patients. Distribution of hearing loss severity in affected ear was mild 14%, moderate 26%, severe 22%, and profound 38%. The majority of children had sensorineural hearing loss (57%), followed by mixed (32%), and then conductive (11%). 34 children (68%) had tried a hearing device; 20 continued to use the device. Retention rates were similar among children with different degrees of hearing loss: mild 66%, moderate 50%, severe 60%, profound 64%. Sixteen children tried a wireless contralateral routing of signal (CROS) device, and 15 tried a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. Retention rates for CROS and BTE devices were 69% and 47%, respectively. The most common reason for cessation of use was discomfort, followed by lack of benefit. Conclusion A majority of children with unilateral hearing loss who tried a hearing device continued to use it, and retention rates were similar across all degrees of hearing loss. These findings suggest that personal hearing devices should be included in management protocols.

Does Unilateral Hearing Loss Impair Working Memory? An Italian Clinical Study Comparing Patients With and Without Hearing Aids

“…We also noted that, regardless of the severity of UHL, patients with hearing devices improved their PTA and SPT on comparing T0 and T1 ( Table 3 ); this positive effect of hearing rehabilitation on speech perception in children with UHL—regardless of HL severity—was already shown by Purcell et al (2016) . In addition to the hearing device, also the speech rehabilitation performed by the children in groups 2 and 3 could have been helpful in improving PTA and SPT capacities.…”

“…on speech perception in children with UHL-regardless of HL severity-was already shown by Purcell et al (2016). In addition to the hearing device, also the speech rehabilitation performed by the children in groups 2 and 3 could have been helpful in improving PTA and SPT capacities.…”

Dartanan: Prototype evaluations of a serious game to engage children in the calibration of their hearing aid functionalities

“…This is an important finding in the context of the likelihood of non-use of prescribed HAs amongst children. 36 , 37 Given that participants thought that Dartanan would help them learn more about what their HA does, it is possible that children would become more informed about what benefits their HA could bring. Furthermore, if Dartanan could help children to feel more empowered to learn about and discuss changes to their HA, it is possible that they might feel encouraged to seek help and assistance in other matters relating to their hearing, and to take control of their HAs.…”

Estenosis congénita aislada del conducto auditivo interno como causa de hipoacusia neurosensorial unilateral y paresia del nervio facial

“…Estos pacientes, sus familias y sus profesores deben ser educados sobre el tema. Se debe igualmente ofrecer un dispositivo auditivo, como por ejemplo un audífono con presentación contralateral de la señal (ejemplo CROS) o un procesador de sonido de conducción ósea 7 . Dependiendo de la disponibilidad, se puede considerar realizar un PEATC con estímulo eléctrico (grabación de ventana redonda o promontorio) para niños pequeños cuando no se logra una respuesta luego de un PEATC obtenido mediante estimulación acústica convencional, debido a que la implantación coclear se ha intentado en niños con aplasia o hipoplasia del nervio coclear, y ha dado algunos resultados prometedores 8 .…”