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Multiple benefits of personal FM system use by children with auditory processing disorder (APD)
Kristin N Johnston1, Andrew B John, Nicole V Kreisman
1Department of Communicative Disorders, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Insights
Children with auditory processing disorders (APD) using FM devices showed improved speech perception and academic performance. Prolonged use even enhanced unaided auditory function, suggesting lasting benefits for hearing and learning.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Children with auditory processing disorders (APD) often face challenges in speech perception, academic achievement, and psychosocial well-being.
- These difficulties can significantly impact a child's educational and social development.
- Existing interventions may not fully address the complex needs of children with APD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Phonak EduLink FM devices for children with APD.
- To assess the impact of FM technology on speech perception, academic performance, and psychosocial status.
- To explore potential long-term effects of FM device use on auditory system function.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children diagnosed with APD was fitted with Phonak EduLink FM devices for integrated home and classroom use.
- Speech-perception scores, academic performance metrics, and psychosocial indicators were measured before and during FM device utilization.
- A control group of age- and gender-matched children without APD was used for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Children with APD demonstrated significantly lower baseline speech-perception scores, academic performance, and psychosocial well-being compared to controls.
- FM device use led to marked improvements in speech perception, particularly in noisy environments, alongside significant academic and psychosocial gains.
- Children with APD exhibited a greater speech-perception advantage with FM technology compared to the control group.
- Extended FM device usage resulted in improved unaided speech-perception performance in children with APD.
Conclusions:
- Phonak EduLink FM devices offer substantial benefits for children with APD, enhancing speech perception, academic success, and psychosocial adjustment.
- The technology provides a significant advantage in challenging listening situations, crucial for classroom learning.
- Prolonged use may lead to fundamental improvements in the auditory system, indicating a potential for lasting functional enhancement.
Abstract:
Children with auditory processing disorders (APD) were fitted with Phonak EduLink FM devices for home and classroom use. Baseline measures of the children with APD, prior to FM use, documented significantly lower speech-perception scores, evidence of decreased academic performance, and psychosocial problems in comparison to an age- and gender-matched control group. Repeated measures during the school year demonstrated speech-perception improvement in noisy classroom environments as well as significant academic and psychosocial benefits. Compared with the control group, the children with APD showed greater speech-perception advantage with FM technology. Notably, after prolonged FM use, even unaided (no FM device) speech-perception performance was improved in the children with APD, suggesting the possibility of fundamentally enhanced auditory system function.
