Evaluation of remote programming of cochlear implants under challenging conditions

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

During the strained period of the COVID-19 pandemic, an international multi-centric clinical pilot study of remote cochlear implant fitting (remote programming) took place with the primary aim of evaluating the satisfaction of patients and practitioners with this procedure.

Materials and methods

Cochlear implant users and clinical practitioners from clinics in Spain and Italy completed a questionnaire to evaluate their experience regarding their satisfaction with the procedure and with its efficacy.

Results

54 responses were collected from 48 users and 42 responses were collected from 9 clinical practitioners. Practitioners were able to perform both remote fitting and remote telemetry. They rated their satisfaction with the procedure highly, with a median value of 9.5/10. Over 90% were satisfied with the results of the procedure, and all who responded would be willing to use remote programming again. Practitioners also rated the technical performance highly. Users rated their satisfaction with the procedure with a median value of 8/10. The great majority of users would be willing to undergo remote programming again (81.3%), and most would recommend the procedure to other users (74%).

Conclusions

Remote programming is a well-received procedure among both clinical practitioners and cochlear implant users, and offers a useful alternative when in-person visits are not practical or not possible, as was the case during the pandemic.