Cochlear implants: 100 pediatric case conversions from the body worn to the nucleus esprit 22 ear level speech...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Cochlear implant technology evolves, necessitating device upgrades for optimal performance.
• The Spectra 22 body-worn speech processor was a precursor to newer, ear-level devices like the ESPrit 22.
• Pediatric cochlear implant users require age-appropriate and user-friendly assistive listening devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of pediatric cochlear implant users transitioning from the Spectra 22 body-worn speech processor to the ESPrit 22 ear-level speech processor.
• To compare aided thresholds and speech discrimination scores before and after the conversion.
• To assess the feasibility and user acceptance of the ESPrit 22 in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• 100 pediatric cochlear implant users meeting specific preselection criteria were included.
• Subjects underwent map conversion, fitting of the ESPrit 22, and subsequent audiological testing.
• Aided soundfield thresholds and speech discrimination were measured pre- and post-conversion.

Main Results:

• All 100 attempted conversions were successful, with 56 requiring map parameter adjustments.
• Auditory thresholds showed minimal changes (mean difference <2 dB across 0.5-4 kHz).
• Speech discrimination scores remained comparable, with only 5% of children discontinuing ESPrit 22 use.

Conclusions:

• The conversion from Spectra 22 to ESPrit 22 speech processors is feasible for pediatric cochlear implant users.
• The high acceptance rate suggests satisfaction among children and parents with the ear-level device.
• This transition supports the use of advanced, ear-level processors in pediatric cochlear implantation.