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Study: Cochlear implant: More hearing – better speech performance

Study at a Glance

New scientific studies summarized for you

 

Study: Cochlear implant: More hearing – better speech performance

Alhabib SF et al., Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Aug 23;150:110896

 

Key message:

Longer wearing time of the cochlear implant audio processor resulted in better hearing and speech performance. To reach an acceptable language development, children should use their device at least 8.3 hours per day.

Background:

The datalogging feature of CI audio processors allows audiologists to track the daily processor wearing time of their patients. : 24 prelingual cochlear implant patients using the same cochlear implant electrode array were followed up two years postop.

The study wanted to evaluate the relationship between the daily wearing time of cochlear implant audio processors and the pediatric patients’ speech development. It also wanted to find out what the minimum daily wearing time would have to be in order to reach an acceptable speech and language development.

Results:

  • Average wearing time was 11.3 (+/- 2.7) hours per day.
  • The authors identified a connection between daily processor use and speech discrimination test results. Speech and language test results improved with increasing wearing time.
  • The minimum wearing time to reach a score of 60% speech discrimination is 8.3 hours per day. This is also the minimum daily wearing time required for an acceptable speech and language development.

Read the study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165587621002895?via%3Dihub

 

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