Is the DSL fitting strategy still the preferred strategy for fitting children?
Answer
With the number of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs increasing worldwide, the question of the preferred selection and fitting strategy for infants and children is an important one. Many EHDI programs rely on evidence-based practice when describing the specific practices for their program. In fact, because the DSL Method has a considerable research base, the Infant Hearing Program in the province of Ontario has mandated that it be used for the selection and fitting of amplification for infants and children involved in this program. In addition, the DSL Method is used by over 850 clinicians in 31 countries worldwide and the algorithm is included in the software systems of 16 hearing aid manufacturers and 6 hearing aid analyzer systems.
Besides the DSL Method, there are other prescriptive procedures that offer pediatric-specific features. The National Acoustic Laboratories has developed NAL-NL1 software which is also used when fitting hearing aids in children. Although validation research has shown that the DSL Method is a successful strategy for the selection and fitting of linear and non-linear amplification for children, there is currently no evidence supporting the use of one fitting strategy over another. Currently, a collaborative study is underway to determine the relative benefits derived from DSL [i/o] and NAL-NL1 in fitting children with amplification.
Where would I obtain the DSL software program?
You can obtain DSL v4.1 software, and other DSL-related information, directly from the National Centre for Audiology at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada by phoning (519) 661-3901 or e-mailing dsl@nca.uwo.ca. You can also order the software through our website at www.dslio.com or download an order form and fax it to us at (519) 661-3805. The cost for the software is $75.00 plus shipping.
Marlene Bagatto, M.Cl.Sc., Aud(C)
Ms. Bagatto is a Research Audiologist at the National Centre for Audiology. Her research has focused on the behavioral validation of the DSL Method when used with adults. Marlene is also the technical support person for clinicians who use the DSL Method. She uses her clinical and laboratory experience of DSL to teach workshops in various places in North America.
Marlene Bagatto, AuD, PhD
Adjunct Research Professor, National Centre for Audiology, Western University
Marlene Bagatto is an Adjunct Research Professor at the National Centre for Audiology at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Her research interests have a clinical focus and relate to fitting hearing aids to the pediatric population. Dr. Bagatto has given numerous presentations and workshops as well as published several articles on the topic. Recently, she led the development and evaluation of an outcome measurement guideline for infants, toddlers and preschool children who wear hearing aids. In addition, Dr. Bagatto provides clinical services to infants involved in the Ontario Infant Hearing Program at the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic at Western. She also serves as an Amplification Consultant and Instructor for the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services’ Infant Hearing Program.
Related Courses
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'Very pragmatic presentation regarding the clinical applications of cortical auditory evoked potentials and the value in using this procedure for the assessment of infants and children'Read Reviews
This course will provide an overview of cortical auditory evoked potentials, current research, benefits and limitations to using CAEPs in a busy clinic, and several case studies.
2https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/seminars-children-auditory-access-37383Learning for Children with Auditory Access Needs: Insights Gained During COVID, presented in partnership with Seminars in HearingRemote learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing students during COVID resulted in both predictable and unpredictable challenges as well as some expected benefits. During this presentation, we will focus on communication access modifications in the use of remote microphone (RM) systems as well as other access accommodations.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comLearning for Children with Auditory Access Needs: Insights Gained During COVID, presented in partnership with Seminars in HearingRemote learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing students during COVID resulted in both predictable and unpredictable challenges as well as some expected benefits. During this presentation, we will focus on communication access modifications in the use of remote microphone (RM) systems as well as other access accommodations.37383OnlinePT60M
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3https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/school-audiology-and-community-partnerships-30988School Audiology and Community Audiology PartnershipsThis course will focus on the critical partnership between educational/school audiology and community audiology services. Issues that maximize educational and communication outcomes for school-aged children will be highlighted.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comSchool Audiology and Community Audiology PartnershipsThis course will focus on the critical partnership between educational/school audiology and community audiology services. Issues that maximize educational and communication outcomes for school-aged children will be highlighted.30988OnlinePT60M
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4https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/pediatric-connectivity-beyond-the-phone-39445Pediatric Connectivity: Beyond the PhoneLearn about the different types of connectivity and how to integrate hearing devices with video game systems, educational tools, and a variety of accessories. This course discusses how to counsel/instruct patients to pair and use their devices with more than a phone.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyAudiologyOnlinewww.audiologyonline.comPediatric Connectivity: Beyond the PhoneLearn about the different types of connectivity and how to integrate hearing devices with video game systems, educational tools, and a variety of accessories. This course discusses how to counsel/instruct patients to pair and use their devices with more than a phone.39445OnlinePT60M
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