Abstract
Background: Replacement of bilateral hearing aids (HAs) with a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid in the bimodal solution is a challenging decision especially in the case when some benefit of the bilateral hearing aid treatment exists. Speech perception in noise can be studied with the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and the task engagement during the test can be studied and quantified with pupillometry as there is a correlation between pupil size and complexity of a given task.
The present study investigates changes in signal to nose ratio (SNR) using HINT under constant task engagement measured with pupillometry between existing HAs and replacement HAs as well as HA+CI in the bimodal solution.
Methods: The population consist of 55 bilateral HA users with mean age of 62 years (range 23-83) referred for CI and randomized to one month vs. four months of HA use before cochlear implantation. The hearing aids were replaced with new HAs (Phonak Link M or GN (ReSound LiNXQuattro, ENZOQ) fitted to NAL-NL2 prescription and verified with Real Ear Measurement (REM).
The patients were tested before change of HAs and after use of replacement HAs for one or four months as well as three months after cochlear implantation. SNR was determined at 70% correct word recognition score at 65 dB SPL using HINT where task engagement was controlled with pupillometry measuring peak pupil dilation (PPD). Patients reported hearing difficulties using the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) questionnaire at every visit.
Results: Patients with existing HAs (baseline) compared with new replacement HAs after 1 month, showed a non-significant improvement of -0.39 dB in SNR with a mean change in PPD of 0.0082 (0.82%).
When comparing baseline and 4 months follow-up after new HAs there was a mean change in SNR of 1.82 dB and a change in mean PPD of -0.0090 (0.90%) as well as between 1 month follow-up after new replacement HAs and 4 months follow-up after new replacement HAs with a mean change in SNR of -0.09 dB and a mean change in PPD of 0.00058 (0.058%).
The present study investigates changes in signal to nose ratio (SNR) using HINT under constant task engagement measured with pupillometry between existing HAs and replacement HAs as well as HA+CI in the bimodal solution.
Methods: The population consist of 55 bilateral HA users with mean age of 62 years (range 23-83) referred for CI and randomized to one month vs. four months of HA use before cochlear implantation. The hearing aids were replaced with new HAs (Phonak Link M or GN (ReSound LiNXQuattro, ENZOQ) fitted to NAL-NL2 prescription and verified with Real Ear Measurement (REM).
The patients were tested before change of HAs and after use of replacement HAs for one or four months as well as three months after cochlear implantation. SNR was determined at 70% correct word recognition score at 65 dB SPL using HINT where task engagement was controlled with pupillometry measuring peak pupil dilation (PPD). Patients reported hearing difficulties using the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) questionnaire at every visit.
Results: Patients with existing HAs (baseline) compared with new replacement HAs after 1 month, showed a non-significant improvement of -0.39 dB in SNR with a mean change in PPD of 0.0082 (0.82%).
When comparing baseline and 4 months follow-up after new HAs there was a mean change in SNR of 1.82 dB and a change in mean PPD of -0.0090 (0.90%) as well as between 1 month follow-up after new replacement HAs and 4 months follow-up after new replacement HAs with a mean change in SNR of -0.09 dB and a mean change in PPD of 0.00058 (0.058%).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2024 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | 47th American Research for Otolaryngology Midwinter meeting - Anaheim, United States Duration: 3. Feb 2024 → 7. Feb 2024 Conference number: 47 |
Conference
| Conference | 47th American Research for Otolaryngology Midwinter meeting |
|---|---|
| Number | 47 |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Anaheim |
| Period | 03/02/2024 → 07/02/2024 |