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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
884
Isolated Second Implant Adaptation Period in Sequential Cochlear Implantation in Adults
Kari Smilsky1, Peter R Dixon, Leah Smith
1*Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto †Sunnybrook Cochlear Implant Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre ‡Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Toronto, Canada.
Summary
Depriving use of the first cochlear implant (CI1) during adaptation to a second cochlear implant (CI2) speeds up CI2 speech perception. This approach does not negatively impact CI1 performance long-term.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) offers improved speech perception over unilateral CI.
- Understanding the optimal adaptation period for a second CI (CI2) is crucial for maximizing auditory benefit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of temporarily depriving use of the first cochlear implant (CI1) on adaptation to a sequentially implanted second cochlear implant (CI2).
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study matched 16 patients undergoing sequential bilateral CI.
- Patients were divided into two groups: one deprived of CI1 use for 4 weeks post-CI2 activation, and one allowed continued CI1 use.
- Speech perception was assessed at multiple time points before and after CI2 activation.
Main Results:
- The CI1 deprivation group achieved maximal CI2 speech perception scores faster (1 month) compared to the continued use group (6 months).
- The deprivation group experienced a temporary, but not statistically significant, decline in CI1 performance, which recovered to baseline levels by 3 months.
- Both groups demonstrated a significant binaural advantage in speech perception with noise after CI2 activation.
Conclusions:
- Temporarily depriving use of the first cochlear implant (CI1) accelerates adaptation to a second cochlear implant (CI2).
- This deprivation strategy does not lead to lasting negative effects on the performance of the initial CI1.
- Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation enhances speech perception, and CI1 deprivation may optimize the adaptation process.
