Philips Birgit, Smits Cas, Govaerts Paul J, Doorn Inge, Vanpoucke Filiep
Cochlear Technology Center, Mechelen, Belgium.
Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, the Netherlands.
Am J Audiol. 2018 Nov 19;27(3S):417-430. doi: 10.1044/2018_AJA-IMIA3-18-0014.
The introduction of connectivity technologies in hearing implants allows new ways to support cochlear implant (CI) users remotely. Some functionalities and services that are traditionally only available in an in-clinic care model can now also be accessed at home. This study explores the feasibility of a prototype of a tablet computer application (MyHearingApp [MHA]) in a group of senior experienced CI users at home, evaluating usability and user motivation.
Based on user feedback, a tablet computer application (MHA) for the Cochlear Nucleus 6 CP910 sound processor was designed implementing six different functionalities: (a) My Hearing Tests, (b) My Environment, (c) My Hearing Journey, (d) Tip of the Day, (e) Recipient Portal, and (f) Program Use and Events. The clinical evaluation design was a prospective study of the MHA in 16 senior experienced CI users. During 4 weeks, participants could freely explore the functionalities. At the end, the usability and their motivation for uptake and adherence were measured using a baseline and follow-up questionnaire.
Based on the System Usability Score (as part of the follow-up questionnaire), a good level of usability was indicated (M = 75.6, range: 62.5-92.5, SD = 8.6). The ability to perform hearing tests at home is ranked as the most relevant functionality within the MHA. According to the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (Deci, Eghrari, Patrick, & Leone, 1994) questionnaire (as part of the follow-up questionnaire), participants reported high levels of interest and enjoyment, found themselves competent, and did not experience pressure while working with the app.
This study evaluated a tablet computer application (MHA) for experienced senior CI users by means of a prospective design, which provided novel insights into delivering CI care into the home of the CI user. The user feedback from this small-scale study suggests that the participants are open to take more responsibility for and to become a more active actor in their own hearing care, if only this is facilitated with the right tools. This may foster the evolution from a clinic-led to a more patient-centered care model, where CI users feel more empowered in the self-management of their hearing implant device.
听力植入设备中连接技术的引入为远程支持人工耳蜗（CI）使用者提供了新途径。一些传统上仅在门诊护理模式下才能实现的功能和服务，现在在家中也可以使用。本研究探讨了一款平板电脑应用程序原型（MyHearingApp [MHA]）在一组资深CI使用者家中使用的可行性，评估其可用性和用户积极性。
根据用户反馈，设计了一款适用于科利耳Nucleus 6 CP910声音处理器的平板电脑应用程序（MHA），该程序具有六种不同功能：（a）我的听力测试，（b）我的环境，（c）我的听力历程，（d）每日小贴士，（e）受助者门户，以及（f）程序使用情况和事件。临床评估设计是对16名资深CI使用者进行的MHA前瞻性研究。在4周时间里，参与者可以自由探索各项功能。最后，通过基线和随访问卷来衡量可用性以及他们对采用和坚持使用该应用程序的积极性。
根据系统可用性评分（作为随访问卷的一部分），表明该应用程序具有良好的可用性水平（M = 75.6，范围：62.5 - 92.5，标准差 = 8.6）。在家中进行听力测试的功能被列为MHA中最相关的功能。根据内在动机量表（Deci、Eghrari、Patrick和Leone，1994）问卷（作为随访问卷的一部分），参与者表示兴趣浓厚且享受使用过程，觉得自己有能力操作，并且在使用该应用程序时没有感到压力。
本研究通过前瞻性设计对一款面向资深CI老年使用者的平板电脑应用程序（MHA）进行了评估，这为将CI护理服务提供到使用者家中提供了新的见解。这项小规模研究的用户反馈表明，如果能有合适的工具辅助，参与者愿意在自身听力护理中承担更多责任并成为更积极的参与者。这可能会推动从以诊所为主导的护理模式向更以患者为中心的护理模式转变，使CI使用者在听力植入设备的自我管理中更有掌控感。
