Systematic Review of Cochlear Implantation in Adults With Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
Cochlear Implants International
Sampathkumar, R., Kaehne, A., et al. (2021).
Cochlear Implants International, 22(6), 311-329.
This systematic review investigates the effects of binaural bimodal hearing stimulation (i.e., using a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and continuing hearing aid use in the other ear) on audiological performance and quality of life outcomes in adults with asymmetrical hearing loss (i.e., profound hearing loss in one ear and 30-90 dB hearing loss in their better ear).
None declared
2009-2019
Systematic reviews of cohort studies; prospective and retrospective cohort studies; comparative cohort studies; cross-sectional case studies; online survey reports; editorial expert opinions
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For adults with asymmetrical hearing loss (i.e., profound hearing loss in one ear and 30-90 dB hearing loss in their better ear), binaural bimodal amplification (i.e., cochlear implantation in one ear and a hearing aid in the better ear) demonstrates some hearing and quality of life (QOL) benefits. The included studies suggest that "maximal audiological and QOL benefits of bimodal stimulation is best achieved by post-lingual users who have been accustomed to many years of [hearing aid] H.Aid use in their better ear and continue to do so whilst using cochlear implants in their poorer ear" (p. 327). In other deaf and hard of hearing populations (e.g., pre-lingual individuals, peri-lingual, adults with prolonged periods of auditory deprivation), similar consistent outcomes have not been proven at this time. Results across the limited number of available studies are inconsistent due to the heterogeneity of the participants. Additional long-term studies are warranted.
