Abstracts

Professor Richard A.Seewald Introduction to the New DSL Version 5.0 for Pediatric Hearing Instrument Fitting The previous version of the DSL Method (DSL [i/o] v4.1) was introduced in 1996. This presentation will introduce participants to the new version of the DSL Method (DSL m[i/o] v5.0) that has been released recently.

Substantial revisions to the DSL fitting algorithm have been incorporated in the new version to address advances in hearing instrument technology (e.g., multi-channel wide dynamic range compression) and specialized procedures for fitting modern hearing instrument to infants.

The rationale and research underlying the modifications and enhancements incorporated into DSL m[i/o] v5.0 will be described. Specifically, improvements made to assessment data used in electroacoustic fitting such as:

• More comprehensive age-appropriate real-ear to coupler difference (RECD) norms and;
• Support of data entry from frequency-specific tone-burst auditory brainstem response (ABR) measures will be described.

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Introduction to the New DSL Version 5.0 for Pediatric Hearing Instrument Fitting (PDF, 580 kB)

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Dr. Marlene Bagatto, Au.D. Assessment Considerations for Fitting Infants with Amplification Early Hearing Detection and Communication Development (EHDCM) Programs have been designed to identify children with permanent hearing loss, and provide appropriate intervention during the first few months of life. Special procedures are required to complete these challenging but important goals.

In this presentation, clinical research relating to infant hearing instrument fitting will be described.

• Details of a study integrating frequency-specific auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold estimations with the hearing instrument prescription will be presented.
• A new technique for measuring the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) on young infants will be explained, along with sample clinical data and probe tube insertion guidelines.
  

Download:
Introduction to the New DSL Version 5.0 for Pediatric Hearing Instrument Fitting (PDF, 580 kB)

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Dr. Patricia Roush, Au.D. Case Studies of Hearing Instrument Fitting in Infants Audiologic management of hearing loss in infancy requires a well-coordinated team approach that results in timely and accurate diagnosis, hearing instrument fitting, enrollment in early habilitative services, and family-centered care. Prior to the advent of newborn hearing screening, identification of hearing loss and initial hearing instrument fitting were delayed by many months. Now that hearing loss can be diagnosed in infancy, it is essential that physiologic test procedures be accurately applied for diagnostic assessment and that electroacoustic fitting algorithms appropriate for infants be used for selection of hearing aid output levels.

Furthermore, as criteria for cochlear implantation have resulted in children with more residual hearing being considered for implantation, the importance of accurate selection and verification of hearing instrument fitting in the early months of life is especially critical.

This component of the workshop will draw on cases from the author’s clinical practice to illustrate physiologic estimates of hearing thresholds, selection of targets for gain and output, application of verification methods, and the role of behavioral assessment in conjunction with physiologic and electroacoustic procedures.

Download:
Case Studies of Hearing Instrument Fitting in Infants (PDF, 1.8 MB)