Fitting and verification of frequency modulation systems on children with normal hearing

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Pediatric audiology
• Hearing aid technology

Background:

• Frequency modulation (FM) systems are increasingly used for children with normal hearing who have auditory processing or listening challenges.
• Existing guidelines for fitting nonoccluding open-ear FM systems lack research evidence, necessitating validation studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) real-ear approach for fitting FM systems in children with normal hearing.
• To assess speech recognition in noise and loudness perception with and without FM systems in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 26 typically functioning children (ages 5-12) with normal hearing sensitivity.
• Utilized nonoccluding open-ear FM receivers and conducted real-ear measures, speech recognition in noise tests, and loudness ratings.

Main Results:

• Modified AAA real-ear procedures validated FM system fittings, meeting prescriptive targets and ensuring comfortable loudness levels.
• FM system use significantly improved speech recognition in noise compared to no system.
• Minimal changes in the real-ear unaided response were observed with FM receiver use.

Conclusions:

• Real-ear measurements are essential for achieving an appropriate FM system fit in children with normal hearing.
• Validated fitting procedures maximize the benefits of FM systems for children with auditory processing or listening difficulties.