Comparison of test methods to assess the implanted ear alone for pediatric cochlear implant recipients with single-sided deafness

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this investigation was to compare three test methods for isolating the test ear for children with single-sided deafness (SSD) who use a cochlear implant (CI). Methods Word recognition was assessed for five CI recipients with SSD and six bilateral CI recipients with no acoustic hearing. For the SSD subjects, performance was compared: 1) in the sound field with masking in the normal-hearing ear, 2) in the sound field with an earplug and earmuff (“plug-and-muff”), and 3) via direct connect (DC). For the bilateral CI subjects, performance was compared: 1) in the sound field and 2) via DC. Results For the bilateral CI subjects, word recognition was similar when assessed in the sound field versus via DC. For the SSD subjects, performance was similar when assessed with the plug-and-muff and DC methods but was significantly poorer with masking presented to the normal-hearing ear. Discussion Masking the normal-hearing ear to isolate the CI for word recognition is problematic in this population. The plug-and-muff and DC test methods may provide a more accurate assessment. Conclusion DC or plug-and-muff methods are recommended to isolate the CI-ear for word recognition testing in children with SSD. Patient specific variables should be considered.