Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

<h4>Background</h4>Cochlear implants (CI) with off-the-ear (OTE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processors differ in user experience and audiological performance, impacting speech perception, comfort, and satisfaction.<h4>Objectives</h4>This systematic review explores audiol...

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Main Authors: Muhammed Ayas, Jameel Muzaffar, Veronica Phillips, Manohar Bance
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318218
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author Muhammed Ayas
Jameel Muzaffar
Veronica Phillips
Manohar Bance
author_facet Muhammed Ayas
Jameel Muzaffar
Veronica Phillips
Manohar Bance
author_sort Muhammed Ayas
collection DOAJ
description <h4>Background</h4>Cochlear implants (CI) with off-the-ear (OTE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processors differ in user experience and audiological performance, impacting speech perception, comfort, and satisfaction.<h4>Objectives</h4>This systematic review explores audiological outcomes (speech perception in quiet and noise) and non-audiological factors (device handling, comfort, cosmetics, overall satisfaction) of OTE and BTE speech processors in CI recipients.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA-S guidelines, examining Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Data encompassed recipient characteristics, processor usage, speech perception, and non-audiological factors. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias by using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).<h4>Results</h4>Nine studies involving 204 CI recipients, with a mean age of 49.01 years and 6.62 years of processor use, were included. Audiological results indicated comparable performance in quiet environments, with a slight preference for OTE in noisy conditions. For non-audiological factors, OTE processors excelled in comfort, handling, and aesthetics, leading to higher satisfaction. More data on medical complications and long-term implications is needed.<h4>Conclusion</h4>OTE processors may offer comparable performance to BTE processors in certain conditions, though not universally across all audiological outcomes. Interpretation depends on settings, processor generation, and testing paradigms. However, non-audiological factors might favour OTE. Understanding current literature may guide professionals in selecting suitable processors for CI recipients.
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spelling doaj-art-ef17fd07f3d24cd4a72d66666dd102ca2025-02-05T05:32:03ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01201e031821810.1371/journal.pone.0318218Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.Muhammed AyasJameel MuzaffarVeronica PhillipsManohar Bance<h4>Background</h4>Cochlear implants (CI) with off-the-ear (OTE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processors differ in user experience and audiological performance, impacting speech perception, comfort, and satisfaction.<h4>Objectives</h4>This systematic review explores audiological outcomes (speech perception in quiet and noise) and non-audiological factors (device handling, comfort, cosmetics, overall satisfaction) of OTE and BTE speech processors in CI recipients.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA-S guidelines, examining Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Data encompassed recipient characteristics, processor usage, speech perception, and non-audiological factors. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias by using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).<h4>Results</h4>Nine studies involving 204 CI recipients, with a mean age of 49.01 years and 6.62 years of processor use, were included. Audiological results indicated comparable performance in quiet environments, with a slight preference for OTE in noisy conditions. For non-audiological factors, OTE processors excelled in comfort, handling, and aesthetics, leading to higher satisfaction. More data on medical complications and long-term implications is needed.<h4>Conclusion</h4>OTE processors may offer comparable performance to BTE processors in certain conditions, though not universally across all audiological outcomes. Interpretation depends on settings, processor generation, and testing paradigms. However, non-audiological factors might favour OTE. Understanding current literature may guide professionals in selecting suitable processors for CI recipients.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318218
spellingShingle Muhammed Ayas
Jameel Muzaffar
Veronica Phillips
Manohar Bance
Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
PLoS ONE
title Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
title_full Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
title_fullStr Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
title_full_unstemmed Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
title_short Comparison of behind-the-ear vs. off-the-ear speech processors in cochlear implants: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
title_sort comparison of behind the ear vs off the ear speech processors in cochlear implants a systematic review and narrative synthesis
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318218
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