Simultaneous versus Sequential Cochlear Implantation in Adults: Quantitative and Qualitative Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) offers significant benefits for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.
• The optimal timing for bilateral CI (simultaneous vs. sequential) remains a subject of clinical consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare speech recognition and quality of life outcomes between adult cochlear implant recipients who received bilateral sequential versus simultaneous implantation.
• To evaluate outcomes for patients who initially qualified for CI in both ears.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 112 adult bilateral CI recipients (95 sequential, 17 simultaneous) at a high-volume tertiary referral center (2012-2022).
• Inclusion criteria required sequential candidates to qualify for CI in the second ear at initial evaluation.
• Analysis compared preoperative and postoperative speech recognition and quality of life measures.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in postoperative speech recognition or quality of life improvements between sequential and simultaneous bilateral CI groups.
• While the sequential group had better preoperative hearing in the first ear, postoperative scores were comparable.
• Both implantation strategies demonstrated similar proportions of patients achieving significant performance improvements.

Conclusions:

• Both simultaneous and sequential cochlear implantation are effective strategies for improving hearing performance and quality of life.
• The decision between simultaneous and sequential bilateral CI should be individualized based on patient-specific factors and preferences.