The next generation of Nucleus® fitting: A multiplatform approach towards universal cochlear implant management. (July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Botros, Andrew; Banna, Rami; Maruthurkkara, Saji
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 52:Number 7(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 485
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2013-07
• Subjects: Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.781277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective:</italic> This article provides a detailed description and evaluation of the next Nucleus<sup>®</sup> cochlear implant fitting suite. A new fitting methodology is presented that, at its simplest level, requires a single volume adjustment, and at its advanced level, provides access to 22-channel fitting. It is implemented on multiple platforms, including a mobile platform (<italic>Remote Assistant Fitting</italic>) and an accessible PC application (<italic>Nucleus Fitting Software</italic>). Additional tools for home care and surgical care are also described. <italic>Design:</italic> Two trials were conducted, comparing the fitting methodology with the existing Custom Sound™ methodology, as fitted by the recipient and by an experienced cochlear implant audiologist. <italic>Study sample:</italic>Thirty-seven subjects participated in the trials. <italic>Results:</italic> No statistically significant differences were observed between the group mean scores, whether fitted by the recipient or by an experienced audiologist. The lower bounds of the 95% confidence intervals of the differences represented clinically insignificant differences. No statistically significant differences were found in the subjective program preferences of the subjects. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> Equivalent speech perception outcomes were demonstrated when compared to current best practice. As such, the new technology has the potential to expand the capacity of audiological care without compromising efficacy.</p> </abstract>