SEQUENTIAL BILATERAL COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION: PERCENTAGE OF WORD HITS IN THE FIRST IMPLANTED EAR BEFORE AND AFTER IMPLANTATION OF THE SECOND EAR

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Although the performance of the first implanted ear seems to be an important factor and possibly the best predictor of success in sequential bilateral cochlear implantation, there are currently few studies that focus on the first implanted ear after implantation of the second, when the interventions are given

in a deferred way in time. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the percentage of word hits in the first implanted ear (CI1), before and after the implantation of the second ear (CI2).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Series of pre-experimental cases. The sample consisted of 8 prelingual patients who used sequential bilateral cochlear implants. Demographic and hearing history data were collected, and the percentage of word hits was evaluated at two moments: at 6 months of CI1 and at 3 months of CI2.

RESULTS

The presence of two differentiated groups is evident: those patients in whom the percentage of hits achieved with CI1 decreases after the activation of CI2 and those in whom said percentage increases, the first group having the largest number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Having reliable data on this phenomenon would make it possible to provide realistic expectations about the benefits of this modality of intervention to candidate patients. In turn, the rehabilitators could develop specific approach strategies to optimize the hearing performance of each ear, and as a consequence, favor the quality of life of the users.