Early Outcomes After Cochlear Implantation for Adults and Children With Unilateral Hearing Loss

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.