Communication Sciences and Disorders Publications
The Use of Frequency Lowering Technology in the Treatment of Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss: A Review of the Literature and Candidacy Considerations for Clinical Application
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Journal
Seminars in Hearing
Volume
39
Issue
4
First Page
377
Last Page
389
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1055/s-0038-1670700
Abstract
© 2018 Thieme Medical Publishers Inc. All rights reserved. This article provides a review of the current literature on the topic of frequency lowering hearing aid technology specific to the treatment of severe and profound levels of hearing impairment in child and adult listeners. Factors to consider when assessing listener candidacy for frequency lowering technology are discussed. These include factors related to audiometric assessment, the listener, the type of hearing aid technology, and the verification and validation procedures that can assist in determining candidacy for frequency lowering technology. An individualized candidacy assessment including the use of real-ear verification measures and carefully chosen validation tools are recommended for listeners requiring greater audibility of high-frequency sounds, when compared with amplification via conventional hearing aid technology.