The Use of ESRT in Fitting Children with Cochlear Implants

Abstract

Objective; Fitting of the cochlear implant speech processor on young children is often a challenge for the clinician. One way to obtain a reliable programme is to use an objective fitting method such as eSRT. This paper aims to demonstrate validity and reliability of using eSRT as a fitting tool, and to show outcomes through a series of small studies. Materials & Methods; A number of groups of children participated in a series of small eSRT studies assessing correlation to behavioural programmes, test-retest reliability, incidence, stability and measurement in the awake and sleep state. Sound field measurements and speech perception tests were conducted. Results; There is a significant correlation to behavioural programmes, good test-retest reliability, high incidence, higher eSRTs measured under sedation and stable programmes over time. Sound field scores range from 37 to 33dB across the audiogram, mean closed-set monosyllable scores were 81% and GASP scores were 7.6/10. Conclusion; A series of small studies demonstrate the viability of using eSRT to programme a cochlear implant in small children.