Comparison of performance across transcranial contralateral routing of signal, trimmer digital and digital bone-anchored hearing implant (with headbands) in children with unilateral hearing loss

Abstract

Background: Children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) of severe profound degree find it challenging to locate a sound source and to comprehend speech in the presence of noise, like in classrooms. The objectives of the present study were to compare the available rehabilitative options for children with UHL and arrive at a probably appropriate option. Methods: Fifteen children with unilateral severe sensorineural or profound hearing loss participated in the study. The sound field thresholds, speech perception in the presence of noise and in quiet were assessed with the digitally programmable bone-anchored hearing implant (BAHI), the trimmer digital BAHI and the transcranial contralateral routing of signal (T-CROS). Results: BAHI and T-CROS both provide significant benefit for the children with UHL. However, the children performed better with the BAHIs than the T-CROS both in quiet and noise in most of the measures. It was also noted that the digitally programmable and the trimmer digital BAHI both gave similar performance. Conclusions: BAHI was a better option in both quiet and noise than the T-CROS as a rehabilitation option for children with UHL. The current study helps in prioritizing the rehabilitation options while considering trial and also helps in narrowing down at the appropriate rehabilitative option for the children with UHL.