Meaningful life changes following hearing aid use: a qualitative user perspective.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore meaningful life changes due to hearing aid use in adult users. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was used with open-ended questions analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. STUDY SAMPLE: US-based adult hearing aid users (n = 653) from the Hearing Tracker website community and Lexie Hearing database. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 65.4 years (13.6 SD), including 61.2% males, 38.3% females (0.5% other). Analysis of 2122 meaning units from responses identified two broad domains: 'meaningful benefits' (n = 1709; 80.5%) and 'remaining difficulties' (n = 413; 19.5%). The meaningful benefits domain included five categories (27 sub-categories): (a) psychosocial benefits, (b) improvements in hearing, (c) personal benefits, (d) hearing aid features and connectivity, and (e) situational benefits. Participants reported enhanced relationships and improved occupational functioning as key benefits. The remaining difficulties domain contained four categories (25 sub-categories): (a) hearing aid limitations, (b) hearing and communication issues, (c) situational difficulties, and (d) personal issues. Notable difficulties included hearing aid design issues and challenges in noisy environments. CONCLUSION: Hearing aid users reported diverse benefits and persistent challenges related to device use, illustrating the complexity of their lived experiences. These findings can inform empathetic, effective rehabilitation strategies and user-centric hearing aid technologies.

Predictors of hearing technology use in children.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe predictors of daily hearing technology (HT) use in children. DESIGN: Retrospective review of clinical records. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. STUDY SAMPLE: The sample included 505 children (<11 years of age) using hearing aids (HAs), cochlear implants (CIs), and bone conduction hearing devices (BCHDs). RESULTS: Average HT use was 9.4 h a day. Bivariate analyses yielded 31 potential predictors from the 42 variables included. The general linear model (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.605) identified 10 interacting factors that significantly associated with increased HT use. Intrinsic predictors of increased HT use included older chronological age, more severe degrees of hearing loss and older ages at diagnosis and initial HA fitting. Extrinsic predictors included the child's ability to independently use HT, at least one CI as part of the HT fitting, coordinated onsite audiological management, self-procured batteries, auditory-oral communication mode and regular caregiver intervention attendance. CONCLUSIONS: Average HT use was high, approximating hearing hours of peers with normal hearing. CI recipients demonstrated higher HT use compared to children using other HT. The newly identified factors can predict and increase HT use in children while contributing to evidence-based intervention services that promote optimal auditory-based outcomes.

The effect of tinnitus on hearing-related quality of life outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of tinnitus distress on the hearing-related quality of life (QoL) outcomes over time in adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. DESIGN: A retrospective, longitudinal study of adult CI recipients was conducted. Hearing-related QoL and tinnitus distress were assessed using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ) preoperatively and at 6-months, 12-months and >24-month postoperatively. The association between tinnitus distress and hearing-related QoL outcomes over time was investigated. Furthermore, 13 potential predictive factors were identified from the retrospective dataset. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables that influence hearing-related QoL outcomes over time. STUDY SAMPLE: The study sample included 210 adult (≥18 years) CI recipients implanted between 2001 and 2017. RESULTS: Lower tinnitus distress and younger age at implantation were significant predictors of better hearing-related QoL in adult CI recipients. A significant reduction in tinnitus distress up to two years post-implantation was found, as well as greater tinnitus distress correlating with poorer hearing-related QoL outcomes. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus distress negatively affects the hearing-related QoL outcomes of adult CI recipients. Tinnitus distress and age at implantation were found to be significant predictors of hearing-related QoL when controlling for other predictive factors.

Health-related quality of life in South African children who use cochlear implants.

Objective: To describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes of school-going paediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients in a South African cohort from the perspectives of parents.Design: Parents of school-going CI recipients completed the Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives (CCIPP) CI-specific HRQoL questionnaire. The effect of different demographic variables on HRQoL outcomes was also determined.Study sample: The study sample included 54 parents of school-going (mean age = 12.2 years; SD = 3.6; range = 6.6-18.3 years) CI recipients with at least six months CI experience.Results: Children's communication and general functioning with a CI received the most positive parental ratings. Among a number of confirmed statistically significant (p < 0.05) associations between HRQoL outcomes and demographic variables, pre-lingual onset of deafness was linked to better HRQoL in terms of general functioning and well-being. While shorter duration of deafness and unilateral implantation were associated with higher parental ratings for self-reliance and well-being respectively, longer duration of CI use was linked to improved HRQoL outcomes in terms of general functioning.Conclusion: Parents assigned positive ratings to their child's HRQoL. This exploration of children's HRQoL related to their CIs contributes to evidence-based paediatric CI services that promote optimal psychosocial outcomes.

Predictors of health-related quality of life in adult cochlear implant recipients in South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes for adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients in South Africa. DESIGN: A retrospective study of adult CI recipients was conducted and cross-sectional HRQoL outcome data were added at the time of data collection, using the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ). Twenty-two potential predictive factors were identified from the retrospective dataset, including demographic, hearing loss, CI and risk-related factors. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictor variables that influence HRQoL outcomes. STUDY SAMPLE: The study sample included 100 adult CI recipients from four CI programs, implanted for at least 12 months. RESULTS: History of no tinnitus prior to CI, bilateral implantation and mainstream schooling were strongly predictive of better overall HRQoL outcomes. Factors such as age, age at implant, gender, onset of hearing loss, duration of CI use and presence of risk factors did not predict HRQoL scores. CONCLUSION: A range of significant prognostic indicators were identified for HRQoL outcomes in adult CI recipients. These predictors of HRQoL outcomes can guide intervention services' informational counselling.

Impact of adult cochlear implantation on the partner relationship: a conceptual framework informed by cochlear implant recipient and partner perceptions.

PURPOSE: (1) To understand the impact of adult cochlear implantation on the partner relationship, as perceived by adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients and their intimate partners. (2) To generate a conceptual framework for guiding future research and clinical adult cochlear implantation interventions. METHOD: Concept mapping, a participatory, mixed-method approach, was used for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Participants attended sessions to generate, sort and rate statements describing the changes in their relationship due to cochlear implantation. Participants included 15 CI recipients (mean age: 51.6 years; SD: 8.2) and 12 partners (mean age: 50.9 years; SD: 8.2). RESULTS: Five concepts emerged from the data, describing changes in the partner relationship following cochlear implantation: (1) Social Interactions, (2) Partner Involvement, (3) Communication, (4) Emotional Adjustment, and (5) Relationship Intimacy. The concept Relationship Intimacy was rated the highest in positivity and importance. Findings also underscored improved social interactions, communication dynamics, and emotional adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The Relationship Intimacy cluster emerged as pivotal, highlighting its essential role in improving post-implantation relationships. CI recipients experienced enhanced autonomy, while partners' roles evolved regarding assistance and support. The diverse effects of implantation on partner relationships highlight the importance of adopting a patient- and family-centered approach to audiological intervention.

These insights on partner relationships and cochlear implantation can inform tailored pre- and ongoing post-operative counselling to support cochlear implant recipients and their partners in navigating relationship changes, emotional adjustments, and addressing communication challenges.Cochlear implantation reduces partner burden, emphasising the need for hearing healthcare professionals to facilitate partner engagement in rehabilitation approaches.Relationship intimacy, deemed the foremost positive outcome, underscores the importance of incorporating these aspects into pre- and post-operative counselling.

Impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life: a conceptual framework informed by parents.

PURPOSE: While the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on parents and siblings are recognised, limited evidence exists regarding the effect of paediatric cochlear implantation on the entire family life (e.g., routine interactions, family activities). This study aimed to describe the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life as perceived by parents, using concept mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parents of paediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients (n = 29) participated in this concept mapping study to generate, group, and rate statements regarding the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life. RESULTS: In total, 99 unique statements described the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life. The concept map revealed six concepts, namely (i) Financial Outlay and Supports; (ii) Education and Therapy; (iii) Responsibilities and Sacrifices; (iv) Extended Family and Community; (v) Spouses and Siblings and (vi) Achievements and Enrichments. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the multiple areas of family life affected by paediatric cochlear implantation. To improve patient-and-family-centered care, these factors must be considered during pre-operative and successive counselling of paediatric CI recipients and their families.

The diagnosis of a child as deaf and/or hard of hearing followed by cochlear implantation influences the family life of paediatric cochlear implant recipients and their family members.Concept mapping identified multiple areas of family life influenced by paediatric cochlear implantation.The areas were quantified in terms of how parents perceived these potential family life changes as positive or negative, as well as how important it is for other parents to be aware of these changes prior to paediatric cochlear implantation.A greater understanding of the impact of paediatric cochlear implantation on family life will inform patient-and-family-centered care service delivery to paediatric cochlear implant recipients and their families.Cochlear implant clinicians can utilize these concepts to encourage discussion and collaboration among clinicians, paediatric cochlear implant recipients, and their families.These concepts can support healthcare professionals in strategizing, decision-making, assessing practices, and creating frameworks for pre-operative counselling sessions and subsequent rehabilitation sessions.

Neonatal hearing screening using a smartphone-based otoacoustic emission device: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing options are becoming available for clinicians and healthcare professionals who use smartphone-based applications (apps) to identify hearing loss. The use of smartphone-based apps for newborn hearing screening (NHS) has been proposed as an alternative screening method in NHS programs. This study aims to compare the screening outcomes of a smartphone-based otoacoustic emission (OAE) screening device to a commercially available OAE screening device. METHODS: NHS was conducted in the post-natal maternity ward and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of two tertiary public healthcare hospitals over a period of 8 months. Within participant DPOAE and TEOAE screening outcomes of a smartphone-based OAE device (hearOAE) were compared to that of the Otodynamics ILO V6. RESULTS: A total of 176 infants (n = 352 ears; 48.9 % female) underwent NHS (DPOAE n = 176; TEOAE n = 176). The mean age at was 4.5 days (SD 11.3). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were higher with the hearOAE with TEOAE NHS, and equivalent or higher SNR at four out of six frequencies with DPOAEs. Mean and total noise levels were significantly lower for the hearOAE compared to the Otodynamics with DPOAEs noise levels of five out of six frequencies being equivalent to, or lower than the Otodynamics (p < 0.001). Lower noise levels are likely to be advantageous in less-than-ideal test conditions. Inter-device DPOAE comparison indicated no statistically significant difference in the refer rate between the devices (p = 0.238). DPOAE pass rates between devices differed in 6 ears (p > 0.05), and in 20 ears for TEOAEs, with the hearOAE demonstrating a higher TEOAE pass rate (p = 0.009). The hearOAE did, however, demonstrate lower noise levels at three out five frequencies, which may have impacted the pass rate. No statistically significant correlation was found between the independent variables and the screening outcome (pass/refer) for TEOAEs using either device (p = 0.105 to 0.810). A high concordance of NHS outcomes within-participants of 89.7 % and 85.0 % for DPOAE and TEOAE respectively, was measured. CONCLUSIONS: The mHealth based OAE device demonstrated good agreement in NHS outcomes compared to a commercially available device. This verifies the performance of the novel smartphone based OAE device, and may facilitate increased accessibility of decentralised NHS service in resource constrained populations.

Children with Conductive Hearing Loss Fitted with Hearing Aids: Outcomes and Caregiver Experiences in South Africa.

Introduction Hearing aids are a frequent management option for children with conductive hearing loss (CHL) and it is necessary to determine the efficacy of outcomes. Limited information regarding caregivers' perceptions and experiences are available to examine outcomes in this population. Objectives To describe hearing aid outcomes and caregivers' experiences for children with CHL who wear behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Methods Retrospective review of clinical data from 19 children between 0 and 13 years of age with CHL, who were fitted with BTE hearing aids between January 2017 and March 2020. Hearing aid outcomes were documented at one month post-hearing aid fitting, via average daily use and caregiver and teacher reports obtained through the Parents' Evaluation of Aural/oral performance of Children (PEACH) and the Teachers' Evaluation of Aural/oral performance of Children (TEACH). Telephonic surveys were conducted with 13 caregivers to explore their experiences. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analyzed thematically. Results The average hearing aid use was 6.5 hours/day (2.0 standard deviation, SD; range 4.1-10.3) for bilateral hearing aid users. Questionnaire results indicated that most children (PEACH - 83.3% and TEACH - 92.3%) used their hearing aids more than 75% of the time. Participants performed better in quiet environments with limited sensitivity to loud sounds at home and at school. Reported challenges included stigma and device compliance. Conclusions Children with CHL used their hearing aids for comparable hours (5-8 hours/day), as reported for children with sensorineural hearing loss, but less than the recommended 10 hours/day required for adequate language development. Caregivers reported benefits equivalent to expectations, with challenges similar to those reported in high-income countries.

Outcomes of children with sensorineural hearing loss fitted with binaural hearing aids at a pediatric public hospital in South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To describe hearing aid outcomes for children with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) at a pediatric public hospital in South Africa in terms of daily use and oral/aural performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical data and caregiver reported outcomes of children aged 0-13 years with bilateral SNHL at one-month and three-months post-fitting. Oral/aural performance was measured by the Parents' Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate factors associated with hearing aid use. Thematic analysis was applied for qualitative caregiver-reported outcomes. STUDY SAMPLE: Sixty-eight children with confirmed bilateral SNHL who were fitted with binaural air-conduction hearing aids at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, between January 2017 and December 2019. RESULTS: Average daily hearing aid use increased significantly (p < 0.05) from one-month (5.0; 3.0 SD; range 0.3-14.0) to three-months post-fitting (5.9; 3.4 SD; range 1.1-16.8). Average PEACH scores were higher in Quiet (73.4%) than in Noise (69.6%). More than half (52.2%) of children required review based on their overall percentage PEACH scores. Higher average daily hearing aid use was significantly associated with higher overall PEACH scores (p < 0.05). Neuro-typically developing children had significantly higher hearing aid use than children with additional disabilities (p < 0.001). Qualitative caregiver feedback revealed themes pertaining to advantages and barriers to hearing aid use. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of children with SNHL fitted with binaural hearing aids at a pediatric public hospital in South Africa demonstrated increased average daily hearing aid use from one-month to three-months post-fitting. Aural/oral performance was typical for one in two children. Children with additional disabilities had significantly poorer hearing aid use and aural/oral performance requiring more support for this vulnerable group to realize sufficient benefit from hearing aid use.

Corrigendum: Decentralising paediatric hearing services through district healthcare screening in Western Cape province, South Africa.

No abstract available.

Perceptions of Telehealth Services for Hearing Loss in South Africa's Public Healthcare System.

Telehealth promises increased access to hearing healthcare services, primarily in areas where hearing healthcare resources are limited, such as within the South African public healthcare system. Telehealth for hearing healthcare is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, where physical distancing has been essential. This study aimed to describe audiologists' perceptions regarding telehealth services for hearing loss within South Africa's public healthcare system. This study was divided into two phases. During Phase 1, 97 audiologists completed an electronic survey regarding their perceptions of telehealth for hearing loss within South African public sector hospitals. Synchronous virtual focus-group discussions were conducted during Phase 2. Results indicated that audiologists recognized telehealth services' potential to improve hearing healthcare efficiency within the public sector, and most (84.1%) were willing to use it. However, telehealth's actual uptake was low despite almost doubling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prominent perceived barriers to telehealth were primarily related to hospital resources, including the unavailability of equipment for the remote hearing/specialized assessments, internet-related barriers, and limited IT infrastructure. An increased understanding of telehealth in South Africa's public healthcare system will assist in identifying and in improving potential barriers to telehealth, including hospital resources and infrastructure.

Audiologists' Perceptions of Hearing Healthcare Resources and Services in South Africa's Public Healthcare System.

Background: Hearing loss poses a significant burden globally. Its prevalence is exceptionally high in countries across the African region, where healthcare resources and services remain inaccessible. This study aimed to describe audiologists' perceptions regarding hearing healthcare resources and services within South Africa's public healthcare system. Methods: A national self-developed telephonic survey was conducted with audiologists in public healthcare system hospitals across South Africa, with the final sample comprising 100 audiologists. Results: Most (82%) audiologists indicated that their hospitals did not have adequate hearing healthcare resources to render efficient audiology services to patients. Binaural amplification devices (invasive and non-invasive) for adults with bilateral hearing loss who adhered to the criteria for these devices were perceived to be unavailable in most hospitals. Audiologists also perceived that universal newborn hearing screening services, adult aural rehabilitation services, and follow-up care for all hearing devices post-warranty expiration were limited. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to upsurge hearing healthcare resources, including increasing the financial budgets allocated to audiology resources so that increased diagnostic and screening audiology equipment and hearing devices can be procured where required, and additional audiologists can be employed within the South African public sector hospitals where needed.

Remote Monitoring of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Digits-in-Noise Self-Testing.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the uptake and scope of telehealth. This study determined the accuracy and reliability of a smartphone digits-in-noise (DIN) test when conducted by adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients in a simulated home environment compared with a clinic setup. Perceptions of remote monitoring using speech-in-noise (SIN) testing were also explored. METHOD: Thirty-three adult CI recipients between 18 and 78 years of age (M = 46.7, SD = ±20.4) conducted the DIN test in a simulated home environment and a clinic setup. Test-retest reliability across the two environments and comparisons between test settings were evaluated. A survey explored the perceptions of adult CI recipients regarding remote monitoring and use of the DIN self-test. RESULTS: Mean-aided speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in the clinic and simulated home environment test conditions and clinic and simulated home environment retest conditions did not differ significantly. Mean test-retest SRTs in the clinic and simulated home environment were significantly different (p < .05). High intraclass correlation coefficient and low standard error of measurement scores reflected good and excellent reliability between test-retest measures and between clinic and simulated home environment measures. Most participants were positive about the possibility of using the DIN test at home to self-assess speech perception, although some test adjustments such as including training items and a less adverse starting signal-to-noise ratio may be required. CONCLUSION: Adult CI recipients can use the smartphone DIN test to self-assess aided SIN performance in a home environment with accuracy and reliability relatively similar to clinic testing. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20044418.

mHealth-Supported Hearing Health Training for Early Childhood Development Practitioners: An Intervention Study.

(1) Hearing health training and promotion is a priority for early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, but training opportunities are limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). mHealth (mobile health) has the potential to deliver scalable ear and hearing training to ECD practitioners. (2) This study investigated the effect of an mHealth training intervention program for ECD practitioners to improve knowledge and perceptions of hearing health in young children. An experimental one-group, pre-post-test study included ECD practitioners working with children between birth and 6 years old across 31 neighbouring communities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Hearing health training was provided using WhatsApp messages that encompassed infographics and voice notes. Knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing and hearing-related problems in children were surveyed pre-training, directly post training, and 6 months post training. (3) ECD practitioners (N = 1012) between 17 and 71 years of age received the mHealth training program and completed both the pre-and post-training surveys. Overall, knowledge scores indicated a significant improvement from pre- to post training (Z = -22.49; p < 0.001). Six-month post-training knowledge scores were sustained. Content analysis of ECD practitioners' application of the training information 6 months post training indicated improved awareness, practical application, better assistance for hearing problems, and widespread advocacy. (4) The mHealth training program supports improved knowledge and perceptions of ECD practitioners regarding hearing health for young children. With improved knowledge scores maintained 6 months post training, mHealth hearing health training is an effective intervention. An mHealth training program for ECD practitioners provides a scalable, low-cost intervention for primary and secondary prevention in childhood hearing loss, especially in LMICs.

Decentralising paediatric hearing services through district healthcare screening in Western Cape province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Childhood hearing loss is a global epidemic most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries where hearing healthcare services are often inaccessible. Referrals for primary care services to central hospitals add to growing lists and delays the time-sensitive treatment of childhood hearing loss. AIM: To compare a centralised tertiary model of hearing healthcare with a decentralised model through district hearing screening for children in the Western Cape province, South Africa. SETTING: A central paediatric tertiary hospital in Cape Town and a district hospital in the South Peninsula region. METHODS: A pragmatic quasi-experimental study design was used with a 7-month control period at a tertiary hospital (June 2019 to December 2019). Decentralising was measured by attendance rates, travelling distance, number of referrals to the tertiary hospital and hearing outcomes. There were 315 children in the tertiary group and 158 in the district group. Data were collected from patient records and an electronic database at the tertiary hospital. RESULTS: Attendance rate at the district hospital was significantly higher (p 0.001). Travel distance to the district hospital was significantly shorter (p 0.001). Number of referrals to the tertiary hospital decreased significantly during the intervention period (p 0.001). Most children in both the tertiary and district groups (78.7% and 80.4%, respectively) passed initial hearing screening bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Hearing screening should be conducted at the appropriate level of care to increase access, reduce patient travelling distances and associated costs and reduce the burden on tertiary-level hospitals.

Profile of childhood hearing loss in the Western Cape, South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature, associated risk factors and age of diagnosis for childhood hearing loss in a South African cohort from the Western Cape Province. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical data from children under six years of age with confirmed hearing loss at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH) was conducted between 1 January 2019 and 31 July 2019. Data collected included demographic information, type and degree of hearing loss, documented risk factors associated with hearing loss, and age of suspicion and diagnosis of hearing loss. RESULTS: The study sample included 240 children with hearing loss, with a mean age of 42 months (21.8 SD; range 2-72). More than two thirds (68.3%) of the children presented with bilateral hearing loss. The majority presented with conductive hearing loss (64.6%), followed by sensorineural (28.7%) and mixed hearing loss (3.3%) or auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (3.3%). More than half (51.8%) of the bilateral sensorineural hearing losses were of a profound degree. The most prominent risk factor for conductive hearing loss was otitis media, for sensorineural hearing loss it was a family history of childhood hearing loss, and for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder it was hyperbilirubinaemia. Approximately one third of patients (27.1%) with sensorineural hearing loss did not have any associated risk factors. The mean age of diagnosis of permanent congenital or early-onset hearing loss was 31.4 months (22.8 SD; range 2-72), with a mean delay of nine months (13.2 SD; range 0-60) between age of suspicion and diagnosis of hearing loss (n = 93). CONCLUSIONS: The large proportion of preventable hearing losses in this sample highlights the importance of maximising primary health care efforts to treat preventable causes timeously. Age of diagnosis of permanent congenital or early-onset hearing loss was severely delayed undermining prospects of positive outcomes through early intervention. Infant hearing screening services in the public health sector of South Africa should be prioritised alongside primary health care efforts to reduce preventable risks for hearing loss.

Short-Term Test-Retest Reliability of Electrically Evoked Cortical Auditory Potentials in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients.

Background: Late latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEPs) provide objective evidence of an individual's central auditory processing abilities. Electrically evoked cortical auditory evoked potentials (eCAEPs) are a type of LLAEP that provides an objective measure of aided speech perception and auditory processing abilities in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Aim: To determine the short-term test-retest reliability of eCAEPs in adult CI recipients. Design: An explorative, within-subject repeated measures research design was employed. Study Sample: The study sample included 12 post-lingually deafened, unilaterally implanted adult CI recipients with at least 9 months of CI experience. Method: eCAEPs representing basal, medial and apical cochlear regions were recorded in the implanted ears of each participant. Measurements were repeated 7 days after the initial assessment. Results: No significant differences between either median latencies or amplitudes at test and retest sessions (p > 0.05) were found when results for apical, medial and basal electrodes were averaged together. Mean intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores averaged across basal, medial and apical cochlear stimulus regions indicated that both consistency and agreement were statistically significant and ranged from moderate to good (ICC = 0.58-0.86, p < 0.05). ICC confidence intervals did demonstrate considerable individual variability in both latency and amplitudes. Conclusion: eCAEP latencies and amplitudes demonstrated moderate to good short-term test-retest reliability. However, confidence intervals indicated individual variability in measurement consistency which is likely linked to attention and listening effort required from the CI recipients.

Corrigendum: Gestational age and birth weight variations in young children with language impairment at an early communication intervention clinic.

No abstract available.

Gestational age and birth weight variations in young children with language impairment at an early communication intervention clinic.

BACKGROUND:  South Africa presents with high preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) rates (14.17%). Numerous conditions characterised by language impairment are associated with LBW and/or PTB. Speech-language therapists may fail to identify older children whose language impairment may have originated from LBW and/or PTB. OBJECTIVE:  To describe the frequency of LBW and/or PTB, in comparison with full-term birth, and associated conditions in children at an early communication intervention (ECI) clinic. METHODS:  Retrospective data of 530 children aged 3-74 months were analysed, with 91.9% presenting with language impairment. RESULTS:  Almost 40% had LBW and/or PTB, and late PTB was the largest category. Factors associated with LBW and/or PTB were prenatal risks, including small-for-gestational age, perinatal risks, including caesarean section, and primary developmental conditions. Secondary language impairment was prevalent, associated with genetic conditions and global developmental delay. CONCLUSION:  The frequency of LBW and/or PTB was unexpectedly high, drawing attention to the origins of language impairment in almost 40% of the caseload at the ECI clinic.