Is there anything clinically available to test the real-ear equivalent of bone anchored processors?
Answer
We have the ability to measure the output of a bone anchored processor in a skull simulator. A skull simulator used to be bulky and expensive and was mostly used by researchers in large organization.
The Interacoustics SKS skull simulator (Figure 1) works seamlessly with Interacoustics Affinity real-ear hearing aid analyzer system. It is used for the same purpose as a 2cc coupler is used for hearing aids. If the patient comes back with complaints, the first thing you want to do is test the device against specifications before you send it away for repairs. In the future, I believe we will have a real-ear measurement equivalent for bone anchored processors. This means we will be able to look at the output and also individualize each fitting to his/her unique skull and ensure gain targets are being met.
Figure 1. Interacoustics SKS skull simulator.
This Ask the Expert is taken from an edited transcript of an Oticon Medical live webinar. Read to complete article on AudiologyOnline. For more information about Oticon Medical, visit www.oticonmedical.com or the Oticon Medical Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
Ravi Sockalingam, PhD
Director of Clinical Research and Professional Relations
Dr Ravi Sockalingam is the director of clinical research and professional relations for Oticon Medical LLC. A native of Singapore, he completed his training in speech pathology and audiology at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia where he also received his PhD in Audiology. As a full time faculty in audiology he had taught and undertaken research in various areas of audiology in Australia, Israel, Canada, China, New Zealand. Prior to joining Oticon Medical LLC in Dec 2010, he was the senior audiologist and manager of audiology communications at Oticon’s international headquarters in Smorum, Denmark for three years.
Related Courses
1https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/ponto-system-few-minutes-to-34566Ponto System - A Few Minutes to Change Your LifeThe course will introduce participants to clinical data collected over the past 10 years and showcase benefits and the simplicity of the Ponto System. The data focuses on 3 key areas, including, implant survival, audiological results and preferences and skin complication rates.auditory, textual, visual
The course will introduce participants to clinical data collected over the past 10 years and showcase benefits and the simplicity of the Ponto System. The data focuses on 3 key areas, including, implant survival, audiological results and preferences and skin complication rates.
2https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/opensound-optimizer-revolutionary-approach-to-37139OpenSound Optimizer: A Revolutionary Approach to Feedback ManagementThis course is designed to provide participants with information on a new feature incorporated into the Ponto 5 Mini Sound Processor – OpenSound Optimizer. The participant will learn what OpenSound Optimizer is, how to access it in the fitting software, and how it will benefit patients.auditory, textual, visual
This course is designed to provide participants with information on a new feature incorporated into the Ponto 5 Mini Sound Processor – OpenSound Optimizer. The participant will learn what OpenSound Optimizer is, how to access it in the fitting software, and how it will benefit patients.
3https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/bone-conduction-hearing-devices-pediatric-36632Bone Conduction Hearing Devices (BCHD): Clinical and Surgical Considerations in PediatricsThis course will provide information on clinical considerations for Bone Conduction Hearing Devices (BCHDs) in the pediatric population. Both non-surgical and surgical options will be discussed with a focus on transitioning patients from a softband to surgical BCHD.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide information on clinical considerations for Bone Conduction Hearing Devices (BCHDs) in the pediatric population. Both non-surgical and surgical options will be discussed with a focus on transitioning patients from a softband to surgical BCHD.
4https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/ponto-system-assessing-candidacy-completing-35613The Ponto System: Assessing Candidacy & Completing Pre-operative Evaluation of Bone Anchored Hearing SystemsThis course will provide a basis for understanding candidacy and completing a pre-operative evaluation of Bone Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS), including the newest Ponto 4 and the Ponto 3 Super Power. Topics will also include mixed/conductive hearing loss and Single-Sided Deafness, device selection, determining the need for an at-home trial experience and counseling tools along with resources that will aid in informed patient decision making.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide a basis for understanding candidacy and completing a pre-operative evaluation of Bone Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS), including the newest Ponto 4 and the Ponto 3 Super Power. Topics will also include mixed/conductive hearing loss and Single-Sided Deafness, device selection, determining the need for an at-home trial experience and counseling tools along with resources that will aid in informed patient decision making.
5https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/making-most-ponto-for-kids-34080Making the Most of Ponto for KidsThis course will provide a review of the connectivity options that are available for Ponto devices and resources available in the Genie Medical software. The course will also include options and special considerations for pediatric patients.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide a review of the connectivity options that are available for Ponto devices and resources available in the Genie Medical software. The course will also include options and special considerations for pediatric patients.
