The Ling 6(HL) test: typical pediatric performance data and clinical use evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Science
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• The Ling 6(HL) test provides calibrated speech sounds (dB HL) for evaluating detection thresholds.
• Previous research characterized aided performance in adults, but not specifically for pediatric hearing aid outcome measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and refine the Ling 6(HL) test for pediatric hearing aid outcome measurement.
• To develop an evidence-based clinical tool for assessing aided hearing performance in children.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted using an integrated knowledge translation approach.
• Study 1 included 57 children (28 normal hearing, 29 with hearing loss) wearing hearing aids. Study 2 involved 9 audiologists evaluating the test's clinical utility.
• Data collection included unaided and aided detection thresholds and an online questionnaire for audiologists.

Main Results:

• The Ling 6(HL) test reliably measured thresholds in children aged 3-18 years.
• Normative and typical performance ranges were established, creating a scoring tool for pediatric outcome measurement.
• Audiologists generally agreed the Ling 6(HL) test is a high-quality, feasible, and useful clinical outcome evaluation tool.

Conclusions:

• Collaboration with pediatric audiologists and an integrated knowledge translation framework facilitated the creation of an evidence-based clinical tool.
• The Ling 6(HL) test has potential for successful implementation and utility in clinical practice for pediatric hearing aid users.
• Further research is needed for infants and to monitor long-term clinical use and necessary adaptations for broader uptake.