RP401 - The Development and Clinical Implementation of the ManU-IRU Stimuli for the Measurement of Aided Cortical Responses in Children

Abstract:
In this presentation, the development of the ManU-IRU stimuli, a novel set of synthetic speech-based stimuli developed specially for aided cortical testing will be explored. The ManU-IRU stimuli will then be compared alongside more traditional aided cortical stimuli alternatives. A discussion on the clinical relevance and frequency specificity of all these stimuli will be had by evaluating each stimulus against the long-term average speech spectrum. Lastly, an exploration of the sensitivity, repeatability and clinical feasibility of these stimuli be explained through reviewing the “ladies in the van” study which performed aided cortical testing using the ManU-IRU stimuli in 103 infants.

Summary:
In recent years, cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) testing has emerged as a reliable technique to assess young infants’ access to speech sounds via their hearing aids. There are numerous sets of stimuli available which can be used to perform aided CAEP testing, each with their unique advantages and limitations resulting in differing clinical implications. Understanding the characteristics of each of these stimuli sets is important to enable clinicians to make informed decisions regarding their clinical utility.

This research podium will present the results from two publications which focus on the ManU-IRU set of aided cortical stimuli. The first half of the podium will cover the development of ManU-IRU stimuli including design rationales and a discussion on the effect of hearing aid processing on short duration stimuli.

The second section of the research podium will focus on a sensitivity and clinical feasibility study which was completed in 2022. 106 infants between the ages of 3 and 7 months had aided cortical measurements taken using the ManU-IRU stimuli. The results of the study found an overall sensitivity for a single CAEP performed at a sensation level of greater than 10 dB to 80% for the mid frequency stimulus and 60% for the high frequency stimulus. The sensitivity increased to 94% and 79% upon repeat testing. A discussion will be had surrounding this result. Lastly Clinical feasibility was demonstrated to be excellent with a greater than 99% completion rate, and acceptable median test duration of 24 minutes, including preparation time.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
The clinical takeaway for this session is to gain a clinical awareness and critical appreciation of the latest stimuli available in aided cortical testing.