Correlation between Aural/Oral Performance and Fit-to-Target Gain among Children with Moderate-to- Profound Hearing Loss Aged 5–10 Years

Abstract

Background and Aim: Real-Ear Measurement (REM) enables proper fitting of the hear- ing aids to achieve the required level of amplification. This study aims to investigate the relationship between aural/oral performance and fit-to-target gain of hearing aids in chil- dren with moderate-to-profound hearing loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 children with moderate-to-pro- found hearing loss aged 5–10 years. First, the parents’ evaluation of aural/oral perfor- mance of children (PEACH) questioanire was completed. Then, REM was performed using digital speech at 50, 65, 80, and 90 dB SPL at 250–8000 Hz to obtain the fit to the desired sensation level, version 5 (DSL v5) target gain. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between the total score of the PEACH (51.66) and the fit-to-target gain at high frequencies (r=–0.482, p=0.01). The maximum fit-to-target gain was 77.5 dB for 65 dB SPL at 6000 Hz. Most of the cases (75%) failed to come within ±5 dB of the target gain. There was a significant difference  in the fit-to-target gain between low and high frequencies and between high frequencies with similar input levels. Conclusion: A negative correlation between aural/oral performance of children with moderate-to-profound hearing loss and fit-to-target gain of their hearing aids may indicate that a low fit-to-target gain can improve their aural/oral performance. Regular use of REM is recommended in prescribing hearing aids to these children. Keywords: Children; fit to target gain; hearing loss; aural/oral performance