Correlation between Aural/Oral Performance and Fit-to-Target Gain among Children with Moderate-to-Profound Hearing Loss Aged 5-10 Years.

Background and Aim: Real-Ear Measurement (REM) enables proper fitting of the hearing aids to achieve the required level of amplification. This study aims to investigate the relationship between aural/oral performance and fit-to-target gain of hearing aids in children with moderate-to-profound hearing loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 children with moderate-to-profound hearing loss aged 5-10 years. First, the parents' evaluation of aural/oral performance of children (PEACH) questioanire was completed. Then, REM was performed using digital speech at 50, 65, 80, and 90 dB SPL at 250--8000 Hz to obtain the fit to the desired sensation level, version 5 (DSL v5) target gain. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between the total score of the PEACH (51.66) and the fit-to-target gain at high frequencies (r=-0.482, p=0.01). The maximum fit-to-target gain was 77.5 dB for 65 dB SPL at 6000 Hz. Most of the cases (75%) failed to come within ±5 dB of the target gain. There was a significant difference in the fit-to-target gain between low and high frequencies and between high frequencies with similar input levels. Conclusion: A negative correlation between aural/oral performance of children with moderate-to-profound hearing loss and fit-to-target gain of their hearing aids may indicate that a low fit-to-target gain can improve their aural/oral performance. Regular use of REM is recommended in prescribing hearing aids to these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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