Trial of a two-channel hearing aid (low-frequency compression-high-frequency linear amplification) with school age children

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a 2-channel hearing aid with low-frequency compression and high-frequency linear amplification on a group of school-age hearing aid wearers. Design: The study was a single-center, a-way crossover design in which 25 children (age 6 to 15 yr) were fitted with a-channel hearing aids for 12 wk and with their own (single channel) hearing aids for 12 wk, refitted according to published protocols. Speech perception in quiet and in noise was measured at the end of each 12 wk period; in addition, questionnaires were given to teachers, parents, and children. Results: Two-channel hearing aids showed significantly higher mean scores for speech perception in noise and significantly higher composite questionnaire scores (reflecting aspects of satisfaction and benefit). Final choice of hearing aids at the end of the study by parents and children also favored the a-channel device. Conclusions: The 2-channel hearing aids appear to be an acceptable management option for audio-metrically suitable children. The results provide support for the 2-channel design rationale and suggest the need for further trials.