Work

Evaluation of remote check in children with cochlear implants

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the feasibility of reducing in-person appointments by utilizing Remote Check (RC) in pediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients and investigates the most suitable age range for implementing RC. Fifty-eight pediatric CI recipients, aged 1–17 years, were evaluated using a web-based RC application by audiologists. Most (84.5 %) used verbal communication. Inclusion criteria required stable map status, caregiver tech proficiency, and a compatible phone. Remote assessments were beneficial, with 89.7 % of participants successfully completing RC. Aided threshold tests (ATT) were completed in 73.2 % of participants, while speech-in-noise tests (Digit Triplet Test, DTT) were completed in 47.3 %. Children as young as 4 successfully completed ATT, while a minimum age of 7 was required for DTT. A significant relationship between age and test success was demonstrated. Verbally communicative children had higher completion success rates. Parental education was significantly correlated with DTT success, with higher success rates in children whose parents had undergraduate degrees. With RC use, 69 % of children did not need clinic visits, emphasizing the need for personalized and remote support for optimal cochlear implant performance. In-person appointments were primarily required due to concerns about the duration of device usage. The study confirms the effectiveness and feasibility of using RC in pediatric CI users, even as young as one year old with stable aided hearing. The findings advocate for the integration of RC into routine follow-up protocols, offering a more accessible option for enhanced patient care. Highlights: Evaluation Of Remote Check in Children with Cochlear Implants. • Remote Check reduces clinic visits by 69 %, saving travel time and costs. • High success rate of remote assessments in children aged 1–17 years. • Remote Check achieves a 73.2 % success rate in Aided Threshold Tests. • Remote Check improves patient satisfaction and family convenience. • Parental tech proficiency and education enhance test success rates.

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.112134

Authors: Reem Badghaish, Dalal Alrushaydan, Mada Aljabr, Mariam Al-Amro, Hassan Yalcouy

Institutions: King Saud University, King Saud Medical City

Language: English

Topic: Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,490