Benefits of classroom remote microphone technology for inattentive children.

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of remote microphone technology (RMT) for children with inattention and associated listening difficulties. A two-phase trial was conducted. Phase one was a 4-week randomized controlled crossover trial (n = 35), assessing listening and attention in noise with and without RMT. Phase two was a 30-week extension trial following participants continuing with RMT (n = 20) and controls (n = 17). Auditory processing, attention, memory and reading fluency were assessed before and after the extension. Questionnaires were administered throughout to monitor progress. In phase one, RMT use significantly improved speech intelligibility, listening comprehension, and auditory attention (P < 0.05). Participants reported improved classroom listening and ADHD symptoms (P < 0.05). In phase two, the experimental group showed greater improvement in reading fluency and self-reported quality of life (P < 0.01) compared to controls, with no significant differences in auditory processing or cognitive skills. These findings support RMT as an effective intervention for inattentive children with listening difficulties in educational settings. Clinical Trial Registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registration date: 18/05/2023. Clinical Trial Numbers: ACTRN12623000512628. ACTRN12623000511639. Web links to study: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385642&isReview=true. https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385560&isReview=true.