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A randomized controlled trial of remote microphone listening devices to treat auditory deficits in children with neurofibromatosis type 1.
- Source :
-
Neurological Sciences . Sep2022, Vol. 43 Issue 9, p5637-5641. 5p. 1 Diagram, 1 Graph. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Background: A high proportion of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) present with functional hearing deficiency as a result of neural abnormality in the late auditory brainstem. Methods: In this randomized, two-period crossover study, we investigated the hypothesis that remote-microphone listening devices can ameliorate hearing and communication deficits in affected school-aged children (7–17 years). Speech perception ability in background noise was evaluated in device-active and inactive conditions using the CNC-word test. Participants were then randomized to one of two treatment sequences: (1) inactive device for two weeks (placebo), followed by active device use for two weeks, or (2) active device for 2 weeks, followed by inactive device for 2 weeks. Listening and communication ratings (LIFE-R Questionnaire) were obtained at baseline and at the end of each treatment phase. Results: Each participant demonstrated functional hearing benefits with remote-microphone use. All showed a speech perception in noise increase when the device was activated with a mean phoneme-score difference of 16.4% (p < 0.001) and reported improved listening/communication abilities in the school classroom (mean difference: 23.4%; p = 0.017). Discussion: Conventional hearing aids are typically ineffective as a treatment for auditory neural dysfunction, making sounds louder, but not clearer for affected individuals. In this study, we demonstrate that remote-microphone technologies are acceptable/tolerable in pediatric patients with NF1 and can ameliorate their hearing deficits. Conclusion: Remote-microphone listening systems offer a viable treatment option for children with auditory deficits associated with NF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 15901874
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Neurological Sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 158563734
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06203-8