Conclusion: The results show that the DUET2 offers users speech perception that is equivalent to or better than the DUET. Moreover, the DUET2 offers subjective benefits above those provided by the DUET.
Background: The DUET is a combination of hearing aid and CI in one device for electric acoustic stimulation. Since its introduction: a second generation, the DUET2, has been developed. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of the DUET2 compared to the DUET.
Methods: Speech reception was determined in quiet and in noise. The sound quality of speech and music was rated using a visual analogue scale. Test intervals were at upgrade and at 3 and 6 months after upgrade.
Results: Speech reception in quiet and in noise was significantly better than with the DUET after 6 months. For sentence reception in quiet, the SRT with the DUET2 did not change significantly between test intervals. Sentence reception in noise with the DUET2 improved significantly between 3 and 6 months and upgrade and 6 months. After 6 months, speech reception in quiet and in noise with the DUET2 was significantly better than with the DUET. Subjects rated the sound quality of speech and of music with the DUET2 significantly better than with the DUET.
Keywords: Speech processor; auditory outcome measures; cochlear implants; electric acoustic stimulation; sound quality; subjective benefit.