The Effect of Bimodal Hearing on Postoperative Quality of Life

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryThis study investigated how using both a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid (HA) in the other ear, known as bimodal stimulation, affects patient’s hearing-related quality of life after receiving a CI. We hoped our work could potentially encourage greater HA use among bimodal candidates. Researchers prospectively followed 15 individuals, with an average age of 65.6 years, and asked them to fill out surveys before their CI surgery, and then again 1, 3, and 6 months after they started using both devices. Patients used both the CI and HA around 97–98% time. Their ability to locate where sounds were coming from significantly improved by 1 month postop, although sound quality did not meaningfully change. Patients’ hearing handicap score substantially decreased by 3 months postop, meaning they had improved hearing-related quality of life. Their listening effort scores also significantly decreased by 6 months, and at that time point, patient survey responses demonstrated a subjective preference for using both devices rather than either device alone. Overall, using both a CI and a HA together generally improves hearing-related quality of life, listening effort, and sound localization early in the postoperative period. Our study suggests that patients should be encouraged to use their CI and HA for at least 6 months postoperatively because over time they may see additional benefits and improved satisfaction using both devices compared to their CI alone.