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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
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Correlation between subjective and objective hearing tests after unilateral and bilateral cochlear implantation
Geerte G J Ramakers1,2, Yvette E Smulders1,2, Alice van Zon1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
BMC Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
|December 7, 2017
Summary
Objective hearing tests do not fully capture cochlear implant (CI) users' experiences. Questionnaires assessing subjective hearing are crucial for comprehensive CI evaluation, alongside objective measures.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cochlear implantation (CI) assessment traditionally relies on objective tests.
- Patient subjective experiences are increasingly vital in healthcare.
- Evaluating the correlation between subjective and objective hearing tests in CI users is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the correlation between subjective (questionnaires) and objective (speech perception, localization) hearing test results in adult CI users.
- To compare these correlations between unilateral and bilateral CI patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from a multicentre randomized controlled trial.
- 38 adult CI patients (19 unilateral, 19 bilateral) followed for one year.
- Correlations assessed using Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) against objective speech perception and localization tests.
Main Results:
- Significant weak to moderate negative correlations found between subjective speech perception (SSQ, NCIQ) and objective speech-in-noise tests (r = -0.33 to -0.48).
- A significant moderate correlation observed between subjective spatial hearing (SSQ) and objective localization tests (r = 0.59).
- Correlations did not significantly differ between unilateral and bilateral CI groups.
Conclusions:
- Objective tests alone do not fully represent subjective, real-world listening experiences for CI users.
- Questionnaires are essential for a comprehensive evaluation of cochlear implantation outcomes.
- Regular assessment of both objective and subjective tests is recommended for CI patients.
