ABSTRACT
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) significantly decreases the subjective impairment in speech perception. OBJECTIVES: To assess the subjective benefit of EAS over the first 12 months after EAS fitting using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). METHOD: Twenty-three EAS users, implanted with either the PULSAR(CI)(100) FLEX(EAS) provided with the DUET EAS processor or the COMBI40+ Medium provided with the TEMPO+ speech processor, were included. Electric stimulation was activated about 1 month postoperatively; ipsilateral acoustic stimulation was added 2 months thereafter. EAS benefit was measured preoperatively with only a hearing aid and postoperatively at EAS fitting and then 3, 6 and 12 months after EAS fitting using the APHAB. RESULTS: Subjects reported significant improvements in the global score with a mean decrease in impairment from 74% preoperatively to 45% after 3 months of EAS use. Furthermore, clinical relevance was demonstrated in multiple subscales between preoperative and first fitting reflecting a true benefit of EAS with a probability of 95%.
Subject(s)
Acoustic Stimulation/methods , Cochlear Implantation/rehabilitation , Electric Stimulation/methods , Hearing Aids , Hearing Loss, Bilateral/rehabilitation , Speech Perception , Adult , Aged , Auditory Threshold , Cochlear Implantation/psychology , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Hearing , Hearing Loss, Bilateral/psychology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Pitch Perception , Psychoacoustics , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultSubject(s)
Audiometry, Pure-Tone , Cochlear Implantation/methods , Hearing Aids , Hearing Loss/therapy , Adult , Aged , Auditory Threshold/physiology , Cochlear Implants , Cohort Studies , Combined Modality Therapy , Electric Stimulation/methods , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hearing Loss/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prosthesis Fitting , Risk Assessment , Speech Production Measurement , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
CONCLUSION: A high rate of hearing preservation during cochlear implantation for electric acoustic stimulation (EAS) is possible, even when surgery is conducted by a number of different surgeons. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the degree of hearing preservation using surgery for EAS in a European multi-centre clinical investigation. It also aimed to demonstrate the effect of EAS in individuals with residual low frequency hearing, both on speech perception and on subjective quality of life measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with profound high frequency hearing loss were recruited in five participating European centres. Subjects were assessed based on an audiologic test battery, as well as on a subjective hearing aid benefit questionnaire. Each subject underwent attempted hearing preservation cochlear implantation using the MED-EL C40 + device with a Medium electrode. Residual ipsilateral hearing and speech discrimination abilities were assessed at defined intervals up to 12 months after the combined electric-acoustic mode was introduced. RESULTS: Results showed that some degree of hearing preservation was possible in 15718 patients. All subjects showed statistically significant benefit on all three speech perception tests over time. These significant benefits were also reflected in the subjective benefit outcomes.
