FM systems improve language and articulation more than hearing aids in children with mild hearing loss

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of hearing aid (HA) and frequency modulation (FM) systems in improving language, articulation, and speech perception outcomes among children with mild bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (MBHL) over a 12-month intervention period. METHOD: A prospective repeated-measures design was employed, enrolling 43 Cantonese-speaking children aged 6-7 years, with a pure-tone average of 26-40 dB HL. Participants were randomly assigned to either the HA group ( = 16) or the FM group ( = 16). A nontreatment control group ( = 11) was formed from children who declined the intervention. The outcome measures included the Hong Kong Cantonese Articulation Test, the Hong Kong Cantonese Oral Language Assessment Scale, and the Cantonese Hearing-in-Noise Test. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 12 months post-intervention. RESULTS: The FM group demonstrated significant improvements in language abilities ( < .01, Cohen's = 0.53), particularly in word definition, expressive vocabulary, and Cantonese grammar, outperforming both the HA and control groups ( < .05). Articulation improvements were greater in the FM group, with significant gains in consonant production ( < .01). No significant improvements were observed in speech perception across the groups. CONCLUSIONS: FM systems are more effective than HAs in enhancing language and articulation outcomes in children with MBHL, particularly in noisy classroom environments. These findings highlight the importance of individualized intervention strategies and the potential of FM systems to support auditory access and language development. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and the role of contextual factors in intervention efficacy.