Using Generic and Disease-Specific Measures to Assess Quality of Life before and after 12 Months of Hearing Implant Use: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Multicenter, Observational Clinical Study

Validation of the Arabic language version of the Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ) for hearing implant users

OBJECTIVE

Audio processors (AP) are the external components of hearing implants. User satisfaction with the performance and comfort of their AP is a critical factor in ensuring daily use, which leads to improved hearing outcomes. The aim of this study was to construct and validate an Arabic language translation of the APSQ for use among Arabic-speaking clinicians and patients.

DESIGN

The original APSQ was translated into the Arabic language using cross-cultural adaptation measures. The final questionnaire was administered to CI users in electronic form.

STUDY SAMPLE

117 CI users (64 female) participated. A total of 179 ears were assessed.

RESULTS

High levels of satisfaction with audio processors were observed among CI users. Item and scale analyses indicate that this version of the APSQ measure a homogeneous and valid construct.

CONCLUSION

The Arabic version of the APSQ captures user satisfaction with hearing implant audio processors.

QoL, CIs, QALYs, and Individualized Rehabilitation: The Clinical and Practical Benefits of Regularly Assessing the Quality of Life of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

This study aimed to report quality of life (QoL) scores in unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users and to generate guidance for clinicians on using QoL measures to individualize CI counselling and rehabilitation and to increase access to CIs as a mode of rehabilitation. Participants (n = 101) were unilateral CI users with single-sided deafness (SSD; n = 17), asymmetrical hearing loss (AHL; n = 26), or bilateral hearing loss (Uni; n = 58). Generic QoL was assessed via the Health Utilities Index (HUI-3), and disease-specific QoL was assessed via the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing scale (SSQ12) and Nijmegen CI Questionnaire (NCIQ) at preimplantation and at 6 and 12 months of CI use. All groups had significantly increased HUI-3 scores at both intervals. The SSD group showed significant benefit on the SSQ12 at visit 3, the AHL group showed significant benefit on the SSQ12 and most NCIQ subdomains at both intervals, and the Uni group showed significant benefit with both tests at both intervals. Unilateral CI recipients demonstrate improved QoL within the first 12 months of device use. Regular assessment with generic and disease-specific questionnaires has the potential to play an important role in personalizing treatment and possibly in increasing access to CI provision.

Long-Term Non-Users of Transcutaneous Auditory Implants: Thirty Years of Experience at a Single Institution

Background: Although it is a recognized phenomenon, there is little published in the literature on the discontinuation of auditory implant use. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of device non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all living individuals (children and adults) implanted at the La Paz Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between 1992-2015, with a follow-up examination endpoint of December 2022. 356 device recipients were included: 316 with cochlear implants (CI), 22 with middle-ear implants (Vibrant Soundbridge, VSB), and 18 with bone conduction implants (Bonebridge, BB). Results: Nine CI recipients (2.8%) were identified as non-users (mean follow-up 15.1 ± 5.4 years). The reasons for non-use were implant failure and reimplantation rejection, lack of benefit, non-attendance of rehabilitation sessions, loss of the audio processor, and cognitive and linguistic difficulties. None of them experienced any surgical complications. Six VSB recipients (27.3%) were device non-users (mean follow-up 11.4 ± 2.1 years). All of them experienced device failure or surgical complications. To date, none of the BB recipients is a non-user (mean follow-up 8.6 ± 1.1 years). Conclusion: The rates of non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants vary widely between different types of implants. Given the small proportion of non-users, information on what are the predictive factors could not be determined. The reasons for non-use should be carefully documented and used to guide careful patient selection to reduce the risk of non-use in future candidates.

New technology can benefit established middle ear implant users: Samba 2 vs previous models of audio processors for Vibrant Soundbridge

Introduction

The Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is a semi-implantable hearing aid for patients with various types of hearing loss and has been available for over 25 years. Recently, new audio processors with advanced signal processing, noise reduction, and multi-microphone technology have appeared. The aim of this study is to compare the benefits of using the newest Samba 2 processor to the previous generation processors in a group of experienced VSB users.

Methods

There were 22 experienced VSB users (mean time of using VSB was 9 years, SD = 2) who had their processor (D404 or Amadé) upgraded to the newest model (Samba 2). The mean age of the subjects was 56 years (SD = 20). Assessments were made by free-field audiometry, speech reception in quiet and noise, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).

Results

Hearing tests in free field showed statistically significant improvements in hearing sensitivity and speech discrimination in quiet and noise with the Samba 2 audio processor compared to the earlier technology. PROMs confirmed the benefits of using the newest audio processor and there was more satisfaction in terms of usability.

Conclusions

Access to modern technology for VSB patients provides measurable benefits.

Do Not Go Gentle into That Deaf Night: A Holistic Perspective on Cochlear Implant Use as Part of Healthy Aging

Research suggests that cochlear implant (CI) use in elderly people improves speech perception and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). CI provision could also prevent dementia and other comorbidities and support healthy aging. The aim of this study was (1) to prospectively investigate potential changes in HRQOL and speech perception and (2) to identify clinical action points to improve CI treatment. Participants (n = 45) were CI recipients aged 60-90 with postlingual deafness. They were divided into groups, according to age: Group 1 (n = 20) received a CI between the age of 60-70 years; group 2 (n = 25) between the age of 71-90 years. HRQOL and speech perception were assessed preoperatively, and three and twelve months postoperatively. HRQOL and speech perception increased significantly within one year postoperatively in both groups. No difference between groups was found. We conclude that CI treatment improves speech perception and HRQOL in elderly users. Improvement of the referral process for CI treatment and a holistic approach when discussing CI treatment in the elderly population could prevent auditory deprivation and the deterioration of cognitive abilities.