Best practice in pediatric fittings: Improving wearing time

The Outcomes of Children with Hearing Loss (OCHL)¹ and Longitudinal Outcomes of Children with Hearing Impairment (LOCHI)² studies have long established that consistent hearing aid use is central to achieving the best outcomes for children with hearing loss. Daily wear time directly influences language, literacy, and academic success, with evidence suggesting that 10 hours per day provides the optimal opportunity for development.

Now, with the help of Big Data, we can see how real-world practice compares to these recommendations and where further support may help families succeed.

Connecting science to practice

The latest Phonak TargetTrack Pediatric Big Data³ analysis collected 68,000 pediatric fittings from clinics across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand between August 2024 and August 2025.

While data from European clinics could not be included due to GDPR restrictions, this large dataset offers a valuable new perspective on how children are using their hearing aids in daily life.

These data confirm what OCHL¹ and LOCHI² have shown for years: consistent hearing aid use supports communication development and long-term academic success. What Big Data adds is a real-world lens, showing how age, degree of hearing loss, and technology level relate to wearing time in clinical practice.

What the data show

• Wearing time increases with age and degree of hearing loss, suggesting that as children mature and their listening demands grow, they wear their devices longer.
  
• Wearing time also increases with higher technology levels, indicating that advanced features may enhance comfort and engagement. This trend supports the clinical value of offering higher technology when appropriate.
  
• Among older children, 9–12 and 13–18-year-olds showed similar median wearing times, showing strong adherence during school-age years and adolescence.

These patterns are based on observed trends rather than causal links. Statistical significance was not tested, but the correlations are consistent with expectations from OCHL and LOCHI findings.

Looking ahead

Big Data does not replace traditional research but complements it. By comparing fitting data across thousands of children, we can identify meaningful patterns that support evidence-based care.

As analysis methods continue to evolve, future insights may allow us to explore how specific hearing aid features or settings influence wearing time. For now, the trends are clear: consistent use leads to better outcomes, and empowering families with tools and information is key.

Supporting families in daily life

Clinicians play an essential role in setting realistic goals and helping families build strong hearing routines. The myPhonak Junior app provides parents with an accessible way to track wearing time and celebrate progress. Combining family engagement with technology insights can turn research recommendations into sustainable daily habits.

In summary

• OCHL and LOCHI highlight that consistent hearing aid use is linked to better outcomes
• Big Data confirms that wearing time increases with age, degree of hearing loss, and technology level
• Trends, not causation, guide us to focus on comfort, convenience, and motivation
• Digital tools such as the myPhonak Junior app help families track progress and stay engaged

Together, these insights bridge science and practice, helping clinicians and caregivers work toward one shared goal: ensuring every child wears their hearing aids long enough, every day, to reach their full potential.

To learn more, please read the full Phonak Insight. Link

References:

1. McCreery, R. W., Walker, E. A., Spratford, M., Bentler, R., Holte, L., Roush, P., Oleson, J., Van Buren, J., & Moeller, M. P. (2015). Longitudinal predictors of aided speech audibility in infants and children. Ear and Hearing, 36(Suppl 1), 24S–37S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000000211
   
2. Ching, T. Y. C., Dillon, H., Leigh, G., & Cupples, L. (2018). Learning from the longitudinal outcomes of children with hearing impairment (LOCHI) study: Summary of 5-year findings and implications. International Journal of Audiology, 57(sup2), S105–S111. https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2017.1385865
   
3. Nelson, J. (2025). Pediatric TargetTrack 2025. Phonak Insight. Retrieved from https://www.phonak.com/evidence. Accessed December 2025.