Person-centred cochlear implant care: Assessing the need for clinic intervention in adults with cochlear implants using a dual approach of an online speech recognition test and a questionnaire

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of adults with cochlear implants using an online speech recognition test and questionnaire at home to assess whether they need to come to the clinic or not.Methods: A prospective single-centre feasibility study evaluating• An online speech recognition test (digit triplet test (DTT)).• A long-term follow-up questionnaire to assess aspects that a clinician would ask in a face-to-face appointment.• A satisfaction questionnaire to assess patient perception of remote speech recognition testing.• Seventeen people using cochlear implants aged from 34 to 84 years took part.Results:• The majority of adults were able and willing to use tools at home to assess if they need to come to the centre.• The DTT speech reception threshold was repeatable on three occasions within 3 weeks.• The majority of adults felt positive about testing their own hearing using the DTT at home. However, only a minority (two out of 17) felt they preferred remote testing to clinic testing (the majority was undecided).Conclusion: The concept of a dual approach of online speech recognition test and questionnaire both done at home has potential to identify which adults with cochlear implants require clinic intervention, although sensitivity and specificity measures are unknown. A clinic visit remains the gold standard of care, but remote care may supplement traditional care pathways.