TargetTrack: Understanding pediatric fitting and hearing aid usage

Learn how Phonak is leveraging TargetTrack data to uncover insights into pediatric hearing aid fitting practices, device preferences, and usage patterns—driving evidence-based advancements in hearing care for children.

The field of pediatric audiology continually evolves as new technologies and best practice fitting guidance become available, and the utilization of large-scale data analytics has emerged as a valuable tool in advancing the understanding of hearing aid prescriptions and use in young patients.

 A recent big data analysis by Phonak, reported in The Hearing Review, offers critical insights based on the analysis of over 19,000 pediatric hearing aid fitting records from the United States. This data provides a comprehensive view of hearing loss severity, device selection, and patterns of hearing aid use among children and adolescents.

Distribution of hearing loss severity

The analysis of the extensive dataset indicates that the majority of pediatric patients fit with Phonak Marvel and Lumity devices have mild to moderate hearing loss, accounting for 64% of the cases. Severe hearing loss is observed in 14% of the children, while 7% experience profound hearing loss.

An observed trend within the data shows a reduction in the prevalence of profound hearing loss as children age. This reduction is likely linked to the adoption of cochlear implants, which are more commonly implemented as a solution for profound hearing loss.

Hearing aid device selection trends

Device selection patterns reveal that behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most commonly prescribed devices in children in the 0-3, 4-8 and 9-12 years age groups.  This aligns with best practice guidelines that emphasize the adaptability and reliability of BTE devices for young children.

However, the analysis revealed that the use of receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices becomes more prevalent in adolescent patients. This shift may reflect a preference for less conspicuous hearing aids among older children and teenagers. The data suggest that audiologists consider not only the functional needs but also the personal preferences of patients as they grow.

Technology level utilization

The analysis also examined the distribution of hearing aid technology levels. Standard technology levels were most frequently prescribed (51.3%), followed by advanced (32.3%) and premium (16.4%) options.

This distribution remained relatively stable across age groups and highlights the emphasis on ensuring accessibility while providing appropriate technological features to support speech understanding in various listening environments.

Fitting formulas: Ensuring audibility and safety

The study indicated widespread use of the DSL v5 pediatric prescription formula. This formula is one of the standard approaches in fitting hearing aids for children, as it provides the necessary adjustments to accommodate the unique auditory and developmental needs of pediatric patients.

Ensuring optimal audibility is crucial in promoting language development and overall auditory processing skills. As the analysis was undertaken with data from America, NAL-NL2 was not used as often as DSL v5.

Daily use patterns and factors influencing adherence

Consistent use of hearing aids is a key determinant of language and cognitive development outcomes in children with hearing loss.1,2 The study identified several factors that influence daily wearing time, including age, degree of hearing loss, and the features provided by the hearing aids.

It was observed that younger children with more severe hearing loss generally demonstrated higher adherence to daily hearing aid use, which often requires significant involvement from caregivers to maintain. Understanding these adherence patterns can inform intervention and counselling strategies aimed at improving long-term outcomes.

Implications for pediatric audiology practice

The insights gained from this large-scale data analysis have important implications for clinical practice in pediatric audiology. By examining real-world data on hearing aid prescriptions and usage, audiologists can refine their approaches to better tailor interventions to the specific needs of their young patients.

The study underscores the value of evidence-based practice and highlights areas where further research and innovation may be beneficial.

Future directions in data-driven pediatric audiology

The integration of Big Data analytics into pediatric hearing care provides a foundation for ongoing advancements in the field. As more data becomes available and analytical techniques evolve, the potential for further improving hearing aid technology and fitting practices continues to grow.

These efforts aim to optimize outcomes for children with hearing loss, supporting their auditory and language development through individualized and data-informed care.

To learn more, we invite you to read The Hearing Review article and the Phonak Insight Phonak Insight


References:

  1. Tomblin, J. B., Harrison, M., Ambrose, S. E., Walker, E. A., Oleson, J. J., & Moeller, M. P. (2015). Language outcomes in young children with mild to severe hearing loss. Ear and Hearing, 36(Suppl 1), 76S–91S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000000219
  2. Tomblin, J. B., Oleson, J. J., Ambrose, S. E., Walker, E., & Moeller, M. P. (2014). The influence of hearing aids on the speech and language development of children with hearing loss. JAMA Otolaryngology– Head & Neck Surgery140(5), 403–409. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2014.267