Measuring Sound-Processor Thresholds for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Visual Reinforcement Audiometry...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Telemedicine
• Pediatric audiology

Background:

• Cochlear implants (CIs) require regular programming to optimize hearing outcomes in young children.
• Traditional in-person visits can be challenging for families with young children, especially those with CIs.
• Telepractice offers a potential solution for remote CI care, but its feasibility for objective measurements needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using telepractice for measuring behavioral thresholds (T levels) in young children with CIs.
• To compare T levels, test duration, and measurement success rates between in-person and remote visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) sessions.
• To gather parent/caregiver feedback on the utility of telepractice for CI programming.

Main Methods:

• A within-subject AB-BA design was employed with 17 children (aged 1.1-3.4 years) undergoing both in-person and remote VRA for T level measurements.
• Test time and measurement success rate (successful vs. attempted measurements) were recorded.
• A questionnaire assessed parent/caregiver satisfaction and willingness to use telepractice for routine CI care.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found in T levels between in-person and remote VRA sessions.
• Test time and measurement success rates did not differ significantly between the two conditions.
• 82% of parents/caregivers expressed willingness to use telepractice for routine CI programming.

Conclusions:

• Telepractice is a viable and effective method for measuring T levels in young children with CIs using VRA.
• Remote CI programming via telepractice is well-accepted by caregivers and demonstrates comparable outcomes to in-person visits.
• Telepractice can enhance accessibility and convenience for families managing pediatric CI care.