Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation improves working performance, quality of life, and quality of hearing

Abstract

Conclusions: This prospective study shows that working performance, quality of life (QoL), and quality of hearing (QoH) are better with two compared with a single cochlear implant (CI). The impact of the second CI on the patient’s QoL is as significant as the impact of the first CI. Objectives: To evaluate the benefits of sequential bilateral cochlear implantation in working, QoL, and QoH. Methods: We studied working performance, work-related stress, QoL, and QoH with specific questionnaires in 15 patients with unilateral CI scheduled for sequential CI of another ear. Sound localization performance and speech perception in noise were measured with specific tests. All questionnaires and tests were performed before the second CI surgery and 6 and 12 months after its activation. Results: Bilateral CIs increased patients’ working performance and their work-related stress and fatigue decreased. Communication with co-workers was easier and patients were more active in their working environment. Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation improved QoL, QoH, sound localization, and speech perception in noise statistically significantly.

Keywords:

• Ability to work
• sound localization
• speech perception in noise

Acknowledgments

We wish to express our gratitude to Professor Mark E. Lutman and Filip Asp MSc for access to and guidance in utilizing their localization and speech-in-noise test software. We would also like to thank Anne Mustaparta and Marja-Leena Oksanen for their assistance in testing the patients.

Declaration of interest: K Härkönen was supported by grants from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Finnish Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the Finnish Medical Foundation, and the Finnish Audiological Society. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose. K.H. was supported by grants from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Finnish Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the Finnish Medical Foundation, and the Finnish Audiological Society.