Towards a consensus on a hearing preservation classification system

• Published in: Acta oto-laryngologica Vol. 133; no. S564; pp. 3 - 13
• Main Authors: Skarzynski, Henryk, van de Heyning, P., Agrawal, S., Arauz, S. L., Atlas, M., Baumgartner, W., Caversaccio, M., de Bodt, M., Gavilan, J., Godey, B., Green, K., Gstoettner, W., Hagen, R., Han, DM, Kameswaran, M., Karltorp, E., Kompis, M., Kuzovkov, V., Lassaletta, L., Levevre, F., Li, Y., Manikoth, M., Martin, J., Mlynski, R., Mueller, J., O'Driscoll, M., Parnes, L., Prentiss, S., Pulibalathingal, S., Raine, C. H., Rajan, G., Rajeswaran, R., Rivas, J. A., Rivas, A., Skarzynski, P. H., Sprinzl, G., Staecker, H., Stephan, K., Usami, S., Yanov, Y., Zernotti, M. E., Zimmermann, K., Lorens, A., Mertens, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norway Informa Healthcare 2013; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold; Cochlear implant; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Consensus; hearing preservation; Humans; partial deafness
• ISSN: 0001-6489; 0365-5237; 1651-2251
• DOI: 10.3109/00016489.2013.869059

Abstract
Conclusion: The comprehensive Hearing Preservation classification system presented in this paper is suitable for use for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing. If adopted as a universal reporting standard, as it was designed to be, it should prove highly beneficial by enabling future studies to quickly and easily compare the results of previous studies and meta-analyze their data. Objectives: To develop a comprehensive Hearing Preservation classification system suitable for use for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing. Methods: The HEARRING group discussed and reviewed a number of different propositions of a HP classification systems and reviewed critical appraisals to develop a qualitative system in accordance with the prerequisites. Results: The Hearing Preservation Classification System proposed herein fulfills the following necessary criteria: 1) classification is independent from users' initial hearing, 2) it is appropriate for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing, 3) it covers the whole range of pure tone average from 0 to 120 dB; 4) it is easy to use and easy to understand.