The use of ecological momentary assessment to evaluate real-world aided outcomes with children

Abstract

Background

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods allow for real-time, real-world survey data collection. Studies with adults have reported EMA as a feasible and valid tool in the measurement of real-world listening experience. Research is needed to investigate the use of EMA with children who wear hearing aids.

Objectives

This study explored the implementation of EMA with children using a single-blinded repeated measures design to evaluate real-world aided outcome.

Methods

Twenty-nine children, aged 7–17, used manual program switching to access hearing aid programs, fitted according to Desired Sensation Level (DSL) version 5.0 child quiet and noise prescriptive targets. Aided outcome was measured using participant-triggered twice-daily EMA entries, across listening situations and hearing dimensions.

Results

Adherence to the EMA protocol by the children was high (82.4% compliance rate). Speech loudness, understanding and preference results were found to relate to both the hearing aid program and the listening situation. Aided outcomes related to prescription-based noise management were found to be highest in noisy situations.

Conclusions

Mobile device-based EMA methods can be used to inform daily life listening experience with children. Prescription-based noise management was found to decrease perceived loudness in noisy, non-school environments; this should be evaluated in combination with hearing aid noise reductions features.

Keywords:

• Ecological momentary assessment
• hearing aids
• children
• real-world outcomes
• noise management
• desired sensation level

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the Ontario Research Fund RE08-072 and by licensing revenues from the software that computes the DSL v5.0 targets returned to research. The devices used during the study were donated by Phonak AG.