Early outcomes after cochlear implantation for adults and children with unilateral hearing loss.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS:

This study was designed to examine speech recognition and self-perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) received from cochlear implantation among a cohort of adults and children with a short duration of unilateral hearing loss greater than 6 months, but less than 2 years.

STUDY DESIGN:

Single-subject repeated measures prospective study.

METHODS:

This study assessed changes in speech recognition and self-perceived quality of life by prospectively analyzing data at the preoperative evaluation and at the 3-month and 6-month postactivation intervals. Measurement tools included Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36, Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire, Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing-Comparative, and speech recognition measures in quiet and in noise.

RESULTS:

Results indicated significant improvement in speech recognition, both in quiet and noise. Quality-of-life measures showed a significant increase in self-perceived benefit with disease-specific instruments, but remained constant with a generic HRQoL instrument.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cochlear implantation was a successful intervention for improved hearing in quiet and noise, and a self-perceived benefit for this group of adults and children with a short duration of unilateral hearing loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

4 Laryngoscope, 127:1683-1688, 2017.

• Authors: Douglas P Sladen, Matthew L Carlson, Brittany P Dowling, Amy P Olund, Kathryn Teece, Melissa D DeJong, Alyce Breneman, Ann Peterson, Charles W Beatty, Brian A Neff, Colin L Driscoll
• Journal: The Laryngoscope (Laryngoscope) Vol. 127 Issue 7 Pg. 1683-1688 (07 2017) ISSN: 1531-4995 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 27730647 (Publication Type: Clinical Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• Cochlear Implantation
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Hearing Loss, Unilateral (rehabilitation)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Speech Reception Threshold Test