Optimising hearing aid output to paediatric prescriptive targets improves outcomes in children

Amri, Nur Azyani; Quar, Tian Kar; Chong, Foong Yen; Bagatto, Marlene

doi:10.1080/14992027.2021.2005832

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 30 publications

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“…Whenever feasible, incorporating individual RECD measurements during the HA fitting and selection process is essential [17,26]. Existing research also advocates for the use of fit-to-target methods and RECD measurements to optimize hearing aid output and enhance auditory outcomes [27]. In light of our study's findings, recommending the measurement of RECDs at low frequencies for younger children and high frequencies for older children is suggested, especially when a child's rehabilitation progress is limited.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Applying the reference values of real-ear-to-coupler-difference for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Taiwan: Cautions and considerations

Lin,

Chang,

2023

PLoS ONE

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Measurement of real-ear-to-coupler differentials (RECDs) is a critical part of the hearing aid (HA) verification process. This study examines the validity of reference RECD values preset by the HA analyzer, Audioscan RM500, for deaf-and-hard-of-hearing (DHH) children in Taiwan. RECD measurements were performed on 658 ears of DHH children. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the reference and measured RECD values. The findings revealed slight disparities between normative RECD values from North America and those observed in Taiwanese DHH children. While generally small (less than 5 dB), these differences imply potential challenges in achieving optimal HA fitting in specific scenarios. Therefore, we recommend individualized RECD/REM measurements for cases of poor auditory performance, certain frequency ranges, or notable variations in ear canal volume. From a clinical perspective, while broadly applicable, the use of North American RECD normative data in Taiwan requires cautious consideration of potential minor variations. This study contributes to current knowledge by affirming the use of a Western RECD database for Taiwanese DHH children. However, we underscore the ongoing importance of individualized HA fitting strategies, particularly for cases with stagnant intervention progress. While built-in RECD reference values can offer preliminary fitting guidance, especially in busy clinical settings, our study sheds light on the circumstances where caution is essential. Audiologists can efficiently allocate their time and effort by focusing on personalized RECD measurements for cases exhibiting suboptimal intervention outcomes, thereby effectively optimizing HA gain settings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Applying the reference values of real-ear-to-coupler-difference for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Taiwan: Cautions and considerations

Lin,

Chang,

2023

PLoS ONE

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Examining Force Level Output of Skin-Drive Bone Conduction Hearing Devices in Adults With Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss

El-Naji,

Scollie,

Bagatto

2024

Am J Audiol

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Purpose: Bone conduction hearing devices (BCDs) that deliver sound across the skin (i.e., transcutaneous) are suitable for some individuals who have conductive or mixed hearing losses. Prescriptive targets for percutaneous devices are available, for example, from the Desired Sensation Level–Bone Conduction Hearing Device (DSL-BCD) algorithm. These targets, however, may require modification for use with transcutaneous BCDs. The current study investigated three key variables that may inform target modification: (a) comparison of thresholds measured using an audiometric bone conduction (BC) transducer versus transcutaneous BCDs that offer in situ threshold measurement, (b) transcutaneous BCD default force level outputs versus recommended DSL percutaneous BC targets, and (c) the preferred listening levels (PLLs) of adults wearing transcutaneous BCDs in a laboratory setting. Method: Bilateral conductive hearing loss was simulated in 20 normal-hearing adults via earplugs. Thresholds were measured using a B-71 BC transducer and two commercially available BCDs coupled to a soft headband. DSL percutaneous BC targets were generated, and PLLs were obtained for a 60-dB SPL speech stimulus. Force level outputs were measured using a skull simulator on the Audioscan Verifit2 at the hearing aids' default settings and at the participants' PLL for each device. Results: On average, audiometric BC thresholds were significantly better than those measured in situ with each BCD. PLLs were similar to prescribed targets for one device with the smoother response shape and agreed in the high frequencies for both devices. Conclusions: In situ thresholds are significantly higher than audiometric BC thresholds, suggesting that device-based in situ measurement more accurately accounts for the signal transmission from transcutaneous BCDs. PLLs differed from the percutaneous targets and varied between devices, which may indicate that either target modifications or manipulations of device frequency response shaping are needed to approximate PLL with transcutaneous BCD devices.

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An association between auditory responsiveness of children and duration of entertainment screen time in the early years of life

Marriage,

Keshavarzi,

Moore

2023

International Journal of Audiology

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Optimising hearing aid output to paediatric prescriptive targets improves outcomes in children

Cited by 3 publications

References 30 publications

Applying the reference values of real-ear-to-coupler-difference for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Taiwan: Cautions and considerations

Applying the reference values of real-ear-to-coupler-difference for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Taiwan: Cautions and considerations

Examining Force Level Output of Skin-Drive Bone Conduction Hearing Devices in Adults With Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss

An association between auditory responsiveness of children and duration of entertainment screen time in the early years of life

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