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. 2024 Feb 19;71(1):e1-e8.
doi: 10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1005.

Outcomes and device use in children with bone-conduction hearing devices in South Africa

Chéri Van Zyl  1 , Christine Rogers, Silva Kuschke
Affiliations

Outcomes and device use in children with bone-conduction hearing devices in South Africa

Chéri Van Zyl et al. S Afr J Commun Disord. .

Abstract

Background: Bone-conduction hearing devices (BCHD) can provide hearing solutions in settings where middle ear pathology is rife.

Objectives: Describe functional hearing outcomes and device use of children fitted with BCHD.

Method: Retrospective review of 79 children fitted with BCHD between January 2017 and May 2022. Outcomes included device use and subjective reports measured with the Parents' Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) and the Teachers' Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (TEACH). Analysis of variance established association between mean data logging and type and degree of hearing loss. Thematic analyses were done for qualitative outcomes.

Results: Average usage was 7.0 h/day (5.4 SD; range 0.1-24). PEACH ratings indicated 93.3% of children wore their BCHD 'always' or 'often', with 80% displaying Typical auditory performance at 1-month follow-up. TEACH ratings indicated 84.2% of children wore their BCHD 'always' or 'often', with 78.9% showing typical auditory behaviour. Increased usage was noted for conductive, mixed, moderate and severe hearing losses. There was a mean delay of 17.2 months (23.4 SD; range 0-90) between age of diagnosis and fitting. Thematic analyses identified two main themes: advantages and barriers to BCDH use.

Conclusion: Average device use fell short of the internationally recommended 10 h/day. Higher BCHD use was associated with higher functional listening performance scores. Long waiting times for medical or surgical intervention for conductive hearing losses can delay BCHD fitting.Contribution: Limited information is available to examine outcomes in children fitted with BCHD.

Keywords: PEACH; TEACH.; bone conduction hearing devices; caregiver feedback; outcomes; paediatrics; teacher feedback.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Type (a) and degree (b) of hearing loss per ear (N = 158 ears).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Relationship between data logging and hearing loss type (a) and degree (b) (n = 79).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Caregiver (n = 15) and teacher (n = 19) reported ratings for children’s bone-conduction hearing device usage and loudness discomfort levels.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Performance indications for children using bone-conduction hearing devices as rated by caregivers and teachers (n = 34).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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