Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Self-assessment of unilateral and bimodal cochlear implant experiences in daily life
Elke M J Devocht1, A Miranda L Janssen1,2, Josef Chalupper3
1Department of ENT/Audiology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
The subjective experiences were assessed of cochlear implant (CI) users either wearing or not wearing a hearing aid (HA) at the contralateral ear.
Design:
Unilateral CI-recipients were asked to fill out a set of daily-life questionnaires on bimodal HA use, hearing disability, hearing handicap and general quality of life.
Study Sample:
Twenty-six CI-recipients who regularly use a contralateral HA (bimodal group) and twenty-two CI-recipients who do not use a HA in the contralateral ear (unilateral group).
Results:
Comparisons between both groups (bimodal versus unilateral) showed no difference in self-rated disability, hearing handicap or general quality of life. However within the group of bimodal listeners, participants did report a benefit of bimodal hearing ability in various daily life listening situations.
Conclusions:
Bimodal benefit in daily life can consistently be experienced and reported within the group of bimodal users.
