M Ptok1, C Schwemmle. 1. Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover. Ptok.Martin@MH-Hannover.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Some children suffer from difficulties processing auditory information despite normal cochlear function. Here we raised the question if hearing aid (HA) fitting might be beneficial for such children. METHODS: 32 children with auditory information processing deficits were fitted with HA. Three months after fitting parents were asked about individual benefits for hearing behavior using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Parents' rating indicated a significant improvement of auditory information processing after HA fitting. A high internal consistence of subscales except for loudness perception was found. CONCLUSIONS: According to the data presented it seems reasonable to assume that hearing aids may ameliorate adverse affects of auditory processing deficits. Further studies supporting these findings and possibly including an audiometric proof are warranted.
BACKGROUND: Some children suffer from difficulties processing auditory information despite normal cochlear function. Here we raised the question if hearing aid (HA) fitting might be beneficial for such children. METHODS: 32 children with auditory information processing deficits were fitted with HA. Three months after fitting parents were asked about individual benefits for hearing behavior using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Parents' rating indicated a significant improvement of auditory information processing after HA fitting. A high internal consistence of subscales except for loudness perception was found. CONCLUSIONS: According to the data presented it seems reasonable to assume that hearing aids may ameliorate adverse affects of auditory processing deficits. Further studies supporting these findings and possibly including an audiometric proof are warranted.