Clinical Evaluation of Frequency Allocation for Bimodal CI Users

Launched by NYU LANGONE HEALTH · Oct 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a new way of organizing sound frequencies can improve the experience for people who use both a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid, known as bimodal CI users. The researchers want to see if this alternative frequency allocation can make sounds clearer, increase satisfaction with the devices, and help in understanding speech better compared to the usual method. If you are at least 18 years old, have been using a cochlear implant for more than six months, and also use a hearing aid in the other ear, you might be eligible to participate.

Participants in this study will be asked to use a different setup for their devices and share their experiences regarding sound quality and speech understanding. It’s important to note that only English speakers with no significant cognitive impairments can join, and the study requires regular use of the devices. This trial aims to help improve the technology and support for individuals with hearing impairments, potentially leading to better communication and overall quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 18 or older
• • 2. Regular usage of a cochlear implant device with at least 18 active electrodes, and compliance with programming/appointments
• • 3. Received a cochlear implant at least 6 months ago and use a hearing aid in the contralateral ear
• • 4. Pure tone average (.5, 1, and 2kHz) between 30 and 70 dB (decibel) hearing level in the contralateral (hearing aid) ear
• • 5. Standard FAT use for all programs prior to study participation
• • 6. No known anatomical abnormalities in either ear
• • 7. English speaking
• • 8. No known cognitive impairments
• • 9. At least 25% of subjects should use the Cochlear EA32 electrode
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Under age 18
• • 2. Non-English speaking. Participants that are Non-English speaking are excluded from this study due to the use of speech testing materials that are validated in the English language. Additionally, study team members are not equipped to appropriately score speech testing materials validated in other languages.
• • 3. Cognitively impaired
• • 4. Non-consistent device usage
• • 5. Greater than 70 dB hearing level pure tone average in the contralateral ear
• • 6. Normal hearing or mild hearing loss in the contralateral ear
• • 7. Non-standard FAT programs
• • 8. Use of any frequency transposition programming in hearing aid.