Abstract
BackgroundThere are many methods for assessing hearing performance after cochlear implantation. Standard evaluations often encompass objective hearing tests only, while patients’ subjective experiences gain importance in today’s healthcare. The aim of the current study was to analyze the correlation between subjective (self-reported questionnaires) and objective (speech perception and localization) hearing test results in adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Secondary, the correlation between subjective and objective hearing tests was compared between bilateral and unilateral CI patients.MethodsData for this study were prospectively collected as part of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Thirty-eight postlingually deafened adult patients were randomly allocated to receive either unilateral (n = 19) or bilateral (n = 19) cochlear implantation. We used data gathered after one year of follow-up. We studied the correlation between objectively measured speech perception and localization skills on the one hand and related domains of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) on the other hand. We also compared these correlations between unilateral and bilateral CI users.ResultsWe found significant weak to moderate negative correlations between the subjective test results (speech domain of the SSQ and the advanced speech perception domain of the NCIQ) and the related objective speech perception in noise test results (r = −0.33 to −0.48). A significant moderate correlation was found between the subjective test results (spatial domain of the SSQ) and the related objective localization test results (r = 0.59). The correlations in the group of bilateral CI patients (r = −0.28 to −0.54) did not differ significantly from the correlations in the group of unilateral CI patients (r = 0.15 to −0.40).ConclusionsCurrent objective tests do not fully reflect subjective everyday listening situations. This study elucidates the importance and necessity of questionnaires in the evaluation of cochlear implantation. Therefore, it is advised to evaluate both objective and subjective tests in CI patients on a regular basis.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on March 11, 2009 in the Dutch Trial Register. Trial registration number: NTR1722.
Highlights
There are many methods for assessing hearing performance after cochlear implantation
Unilateral cochlear implantation still is the standard treatment in most countries, an increasing amount of patients worldwide is being implanted bilaterally in order to improve hearing skills and speech understanding in noise [1, 2]
Bilaterally implanted patients performed significantly better on part of the subjective (Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) on hearing) and objective tests [14]
Summary
There are many methods for assessing hearing performance after cochlear implantation. Standard evaluations often encompass objective hearing tests only, while patients’ subjective experiences gain importance in today’s healthcare. The aim of the current study was to analyze the correlation between subjective (self-reported questionnaires) and objective (speech perception and localization) hearing test results in adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Unilateral cochlear implantation still is the standard treatment in most countries, an increasing amount of patients worldwide is being implanted bilaterally in order to improve (spatial) hearing skills and speech understanding in noise [1, 2]. The eligibility criteria for cochlear implantation are constantly changing and the quality and possibilities of cochlear implants (CIs) are growing [3] In this world of new developments, assessing hearing performance after cochlear implantation is vital. Questions can be misinterpreted and missing values occur when patients do not fill out (parts of ) the questionnaires
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
