Remote analysis of auditory performance in cochlear implant users using a new tool: remote check

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and characterize the auditory performance of Cochlear Implant (CI) users through Remote Check tool via mobile device. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. Thirty-one cochlear implant users prelingual and postlingual participated in the study, with at least 6-months of implant use, without cognitive or intellectual changes associated with hearing loss. Remote Check was made available via the Nucleus Smart app and managed by the My Cochlear Professional platform. Participants responded to the test and data regarding Digit Triplets Test (DTT), Aided Threshold Test (ATT) and time of use were collected. RESULTS: Comparative tests indicated significant differences in speech-in-noise levels between groups of people with post-lingual and pre-lingual hearing loss. As for the hearing thresholds, significant difference was observed at different frequencies, varying according to use. In addition, the analysis of effect size showed moderate differences in speech in noise and some frequencies, and high effect at 250 Hz on left ear and device usage time for those wearing on right ear. CONCLUSION: Remote Check is an effective tool that can assist in describing the profile of cochlear implant users. It was possible to trace the profile of CI users in the stage of datalogging, assessment of auditory thresholds and in speech-in-noise tests. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 (Step 2).