Evidence-based recommendation for bilateral cochlear implantation in adults

Abstract

Purpose: Most adult cochlear implant (CI) users in developed countries benefit from the use of a hearing aid in conjunction with their implant device (bimodal hearing). Benefits have also been documented for the use of bilateral CIs for speech perception in quiet, localization, and speech perception in noise. This study attempted to quantify speech perception results for bimodal and bilateral CIs in adults and provide a guide for those considering a 2nd CI. Method: Speech perception outcomes were reviewed for 1,394 adults with acquired hearing loss who received a CI at the Melbourne Cochlear Implant Clinic between 2000 and 2015. Results: Bimodal and bilateral users significantly outperformed..