1. Experiences to Date Comfort levels must be checked before the procedure is started 11 adults have been fitted and did not like the initial DSL fitting targets and were then fitted using NAL. 4/11 have preferred a base cut at the first fitting already moving away form the NAL-RP targets The full balancing procedure with frequency shaping is time consuming even with adults Introduction This paper describes a multi-centre UK initiative to investigate the benefits of fitting a contra lateral hearing aid with a cochlear implant in experienced paediatric users. Current published research shows the benefits of fitting a hearing aid in the contralateral ear using a special balancing procedure. 1 However this procedure is based on the NAL-RP fitting prescription. In the UK the most commonly used fitting prescription used for children is Desired Sensation Level (DSL i/o )2. The balancing procedure outlined in the published literature has been modified to produce a generic protocol (see handout). This modified procedure has been further reduced to make it clinically practical to perform with younger children. Aims Can the the benefits of using a contralateral hearing aid be replicated using the loudness-balancing element only of the published procedure and the DSL i/o fitting prescription? Optimising the Fitting of Hearing Aids with Cochlear Implants Sarie Cross 1, Paula Greenham 2, Sarah Flynn 1, Catherine Broxholme 3, Maire Doran 4 1. ISVR, University of Southampton. 2. Cochlear Europe Ltd. 3. Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. 4. Glan Clwyd Hospital, North Wales. References 1 Should Children Who use Cochlear Implants Wear hearing Aids in the Opposite Ear? Ching T, Psarros P, Hill M, Dillon H. & Incerti P. Ear and Hearing 2001: 22, 365-380 2The Desired Sensation Level Method for Hearing Aid Fitting in Infants and Children Seewald, R. Phonak Focus N o 20 Modified Paediatric Procedure 1Fit the HA according to DSL targets for gain and maximum output. Do not be concerned if the gain targets above 1 kHz are not achievable. The implant system will contribute the high frequency information. Confirm fitting with real ear measurement. 2Adjust the overall gain and/or compression characteristics of the HA so that the loudness of speech in the ear with the HA is matched to that in the implanted ear at soft (55dB SPL), average (65dB SPL) and loud speech levels (80dB SPL). This is achieved with the Supero by; a) Adjusting G50 with an input level of 55dB SPL b) Adjusting G80 with an input level of 80dB SPL c) Check balance at 65dB SPL by adjusting overall gain if required 3Confirm new fitting with real ear measurement. 4Finally check that the loudness of both implant and HA together is comfortable with 80dB SPL input. Fit and Optimise Hearing Aid Administer Baseline Questionnaire Localisation Testing 11 speakers Anechoic chamber ISVR, Southampton Evaluate Speech Performance CI Alone and CI with HA Administer Follow up Questionnaire Study Protocol Subjects: 6 years of age or over Experience: Stable MAP for 6 months and have not used hearing aid for 1 year Personnel: Experienced HA Audiologist Ear Moulds: Comfortable rather than tight/deep fit Equipment:HA Programming and Real Ear Measurement Equipment Hearing Aid: Phonak Supero 412 Fitting Protocol: Desired Sensation Level Balancing: Adjust the output of the HA to match the overall loudness of the CI Listening Trial:8 weeks Speech Testing: IHR Sentences – adaptive procedure Functional Benefit: PEACH questionnaire Localisation Testing:11 speakers in anechoic chamber Parallel Study:Study with Adult subjects to validate generic balancing fitting procedure with standard prescribed fitting Further information from: Sarie Cross, SOECIC, ISVR, University of Southampton sec@isvr.soton.ac.uk Identify Patients Obtain Consent Earmould Impressions The Authors would like to acknowledge Phonak U.K. for their support with this study. Geneva 2004