101 4.1 First paediatric experience with ADHEAR 2.3 Study Device and Setting Audiological assessment via pure-tone audiometry (PTA) free field testing with warble tones. All children were measured at first visit with the adhesive retained BC hearing system - ADHEAR (MED-EL, Austria) and an Oticon Ponto (Oticon Medical, Askim, Sweden) device on a softband. Both devices were fitted as per default setting and measurements were performed at a comfortable volume for each subject in sound field testing. To remove comparison bias ofthe two devices no independent fitting strategy was used. The same Oticon Ponto device was used for all base line tests on each subject set to its generic program. The ADHEAR device has four inbuilt software settings which the user can independently select depending on the environment. During testing the same setting was used for each participant and a fitting prescription was therefore not required. Sound field threshold measurement was performed with warble tones on each participant under four separate conditions with the loudspeaker at 1 m in front of the subject. 1) unaided, 2) when using the softband device, 3) using the ADHEAR device at initial visit (V1), and 4) with the ADHEAR after a minimum of 4 weeks continual use (W4). For those participants with unilateral hearing loss, the normal hearing ear was occluded during testing. All participants and primary caregivers underwent training on the placement, removal, and use of the new adhesive adaptor and sound processor at the initial appointment. All audiological tests were performed in the identical soundbooth by the two named senior audiologist authors of this article. 2.4 Subjective Assessments Following a minimum of 4 weeks use of the adhesive retained BC aid, each child with the help of their carer was asked to complete a 10 cm Linear Analogue Scale (LAS) relating to their perception of health status both before and after the use of the new system. They were also requested to complete a Glasgow Children’s Benefit Inventory Questionnaire (GCBI) to subjectively assess the impact of the adhesive retained BC aid on their quality of life. [Appendix 1, http:// links.lww.com/ MAO/A823]. Finally, a manufacturer’s hearing aid review questionnaire (HARQ) was completed which was aimed to assess the functionality and ease of use of the new system [Appendix 2, http://links. lww.com/MAO/A824]. 2.5 Statistical Analysis The results were analyzed by paired f testing. Significance was set at p < 0.01. Sample size and power calculations were based upon 2016 paper Ihler et al. [31]. It compared in a prospective study the audiological preoperative results with a bone conduction hearing device using
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw