Comprehensive auditory rehabilitation in adults receiving cochlear implants: A pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Most adults in the U.S. receiving cochlear implants (CIs) do not utilize comprehensive auditory rehabilitation (CAR).
• This lack of CAR may lead to less than optimal outcomes for CI users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a CAR approach incorporating auditory training (AT) by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in adult CI recipients.
• To explore the potential for improved outcomes with this CAR approach.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four adult CI candidates were divided into three groups: CAR, passive control, and active control.
• The CAR group received standard care plus preoperative counseling and eight AT sessions.
• Participants were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-implantation using speech recognition and quality of life measures.

Main Results:

• The CAR approach was demonstrated as feasible in this pilot study.
• While underpowered for efficacy, the study observed differential improvements in word and sentence recognition.
• All quality of life measures improved from pre-implantation to one month post-activation.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive auditory rehabilitation (CAR) is a feasible intervention for new cochlear implant (CI) users.
• A larger clinical trial is necessary to determine the efficacy of CAR in improving outcomes and accelerating progress for CI recipients.