Sound Localization Performance in Children with Cochlear Implants Using Bimodal Stimulation

Abstract

Introduction: There are clear benefits of having bilateral inputs to the auditory nervous system. Hearing-impaired children are, therefore, generally fitted with two hearing aids so that they can benefit from hearing binaurally. Children who use a cochlear implant in one ear and no amplification in the opposite ear are, however, deprived of these advantages. The current study was undertaken to determine the benefits of bimodal stimulation in pediatric population. Methods and Materials: This study comprised of 20 children between 6-11 years of age with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear implant in one ear and fitted with digital hearing aid in non-implanted ear. Mean sound localization score was compared in children with cochlear implant only and those with both cochlear implant and hearing aid. Result: A statistically significant difference was found between mean sound localization in both test condition under quiet surrounding. Conclusion: Hence it is suggested that the use of bimodal fitting can be considered as an effective management option in order to obtain binaural hearing benefits in children who undergo unilateral cochlear implantation.