Interacoustics introduces the Eclipse Aided Cortical module

Interacoustics is excited to launch the Aided Cortical module for their Eclipse evoked potential system.

The Eclipse Aided Cortical module offers an objective method to validate the benefit of hearing devices in infants and other patients who cannot subjectively respond to a hearing test. This provides hearing care professionals with a new opportunity to provide even better hearing care.

“Compared to years back, we see that infants with hearing loss are identified and diagnosed much earlier today due to effective newborn hearing screening programs. This also means that early intervention has been made possible. However, when it comes to validating the success of a fitted hearing aid in a young child, assessment possibilities have been limited. Until now,” Morten Bagger, Senior Product Manager of ABR/OAE, says.

Aided cortical testing measures the brain's ability to hear speech sounds amplified via a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. The test offers a choice between three stimuli. The well-known Ling-sounds, HD-sounds as well as the newly developed ManU-IRU stimuli.

The ManU-IRU stimuli are a result of a collaboration between the Interacoustics Research Unit (IRU) and Manchester University, and they are excellent in their frequency specificity.

The test is performed in a free-field setup on an awake patient, and an optimized response detector offers guidance on the response confidence. Additionally, the built-in Sound Field Analyzer provides a quick and precise check of the test environment.

“With this test, clinicians can feel confident that the child actually perceives speech. And clinicians can use the outcome of the test to reassure parents or other relatives that the patient benefits from the hearing device,” Morten Bagger explains.