Remote fitting in Nucleus cochlear implant recipients

Abstract

Conclusion: Remote programming is a viable alternative to face-to-face programming. The procedure can be regarded as safe, time and cost saving, and clinically feasible. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of commercially available video conferencing technology and remote control software for remote programming of sound processors in Nucleus cochlear implant recipients by assessing the feasibility, efficiency, risks, and benefits of remote programming compared to face-to-face programming. Methods: This was a randomized, prospective study. Seventy Nucleus implant recipients were recruited for a random sequence comparison of one remote and one local programming session each. The time required for local or remote programming was measured and resulting MAP T and C levels were compared. The recipient provided feedback on the local and remote programming session. The audiologist and monitoring clinician were asked for their feedback on remote programming. Results: Remote programming sessions were successfully finished for 69 recipients. No significant differences between T and C levels obtained by local and remote programming were found. The audiologists and monitoring clinicians agreed that the remote programming system provided an acceptable level of performance after most sessions. More than 50 participating recipients considered remote programming an efficient alternative to face-to-face-programming.

Keywords::

• Remote control
• map
• internet
• telecommunication technology
• telemedicine
• usability
• feasibility
• efficiency

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the following co-workers for their input and support for this study: A. Aschendorff, A. Huber, and J. John from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University Hospital Freiburg; A. Lorens, A. Obrycka, and A. Walkowiak from the Auditory Implant and Perception Department of the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing in Warsaw; and Z. Tsinaslanidou, Ch. Papathanasiou, and S. Tertipis from the University Hospital of Thessaloniki. The authors would like to acknowledge the support of I. Ahlborn from Cochlear AG in the design and data management and the support of G. Rypkema from Cochlear AG in the data analysis for this study.

Declaration of interest: This study was sponsored by Cochlear AG, Switzerland. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.