Users' perspectives on the benefits of FM systems with cochlear implants

Abstract

Abstract

This study explored: (1) the benefits of an FM system in real-world environments from the perspective of adults with coch-lear implants, and (2) the factors and barriers to using an FM system with a cochlear implant. Using a qualitative research design, 14 adults with unilateral cochlear implants recorded their experiences during a two-month trial period with a personal FM system and responded to a questionnaire at the end of the trial. A detailed analysis of 169 journal entries (230 hours of FM use) permitted a description of the benefits and negative aspects associated with FM use in everyday listening environments. The primary benefits were related to improved access to and quality of sound, improved distance listening, ease of listening, and better social integration. Negative perceptions were associated with the equipment both with regard to physical aspects and adjustments. In addition, technical, individual, social, and environmental factors were identified that can influence the user's decision to use the FM device. Questionnaire responses indicated that the majority of individuals rated the FM system as somewhat or very helpful. The findings suggest that FM systems can improve communication in everyday listening environments for some adults with cochlear implants.

Sumario

Este estudio exploró: (1) los beneficios de un sistema FM en ambientes de la vida real desde la perspectiva de adultos con implante coclear, y (2) los factores y barreras del uso de un sistema FM con un implante coclear. Durante un periodo de 2 meses y mediante un diseño de investigación cualitativo, 14 adultos con implantes cocleares unilaterales registraron sus experiencias con un sistema personal de FM y respondieron a un cuestionario al final del ensayo. Un análisis detallado de 169 de anotaciones en el diario (230 horas de uso del FM) permitieron una descripción de los beneficios y los aspectos negativos asociados con el uso del FM en ambientes de escucha cotidianos. Los beneficios primarios estuvieron relacionados con mejor acceso y mejor calidad de sonido, mejoría en la audición a distancia, facilidad para escuchar y mejor integración social. Las percepciones negativas se asociaron con el equipo, tanto en relación con sus aspectos físicos, como con los ajustes. Además, se identificaron factores técnicos, individuales, sociales y ambientales que pueden influir en la decisión del usuario de utilizar un dispositivo de FM. Las respuestas del cuestionario indicaron que la mayoría de los individuos calificaron el sistema de FM como un tanto útil o muy útil. Los hallazgos sugieren que los sistemas FM pueden mejorar la comunicación en los ambientes cotidianos de escucha para algunos adultos con implante coclear.

Key Words:

• Cochlear implant
• Assistive technology
• Speech perception
• Noise

Acknowledgements

The participation of the adults from the University of Ottawa Auditory Implant Program (Ottawa Hospital) is gratefully acknowledged. The research was supported through the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa. Sennheiser (Canada) Inc. provided the FM technology as well as partial funding for the study. We thank Joanne Whittingham for assistance with participant demographic information, and Christine Mcilquham for help with coordination and preparation of study documents. We also thank two anonymous reviewers who provided very helpful suggestions to improve this paper.

Notes

1. The FM equipment used in this study was provided by Sennheiser (Canada) Inc. (Pointe Claire, Québec); however, the study was not designed to test a specific product.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Appendix

SAMPLE PAGE FROM PARTICIPANT JOURNALS FM STUDY: DIARY INSTRUCTIONS (FIELD TRIAL)

Table

Instructions for your Diary:

Thank you for participating in this study. Through this diary, we are hoping to learn more about how an FM system is helpful (or not helpful) in different listening situations for adults with cochlear implants. We would like to learn about your experiences with the FM system in your daily life, at home, at work and in entertainment and social settings.

Please write a note every time that you use the FM system with your cochlear implant. In particular, please note:

• The listening activity (e.g. meeting, television, church)

• The duration of use (e.g. 15 minutes, 1 hour, etc.)

• Your views on how you heard with the device (e.g. speech was clear, muffled, too noisy, etc.)

• Your experience using the device (e.g. note any problems with connecting it to your processor, comfort, ease of use, etc.)

• Any other comments about your experience using an FM system with your implant

Please do not hesitate to contact the Cochlear Implant Program if you have questions: (Telephone number).

Table

Was the FM system helpful during this listening situation? (Please tick one box).

□Not helpful at all

□A little helpful

□Somewhat helpful

□Very helpful

Please write about: your views on how you heard with the device, your experience using the device, any other comments