Binaural Localization Development and the Effect of SmartSound iQ with SCAN in Children with Cochlear Implants

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Binaural hearing is essential for spatial auditory perception and sound localization.
• Cochlear implants (CIs) aid binaural auditory development in children with congenital deafness, but their impact on localization is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• This study assesses the effect of CIs on binaural auditory development and sound localization in children with congenital deafness.
• Factors like age at implantation, hearing duration, and CI type (unilateral/bilateral) were considered.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight children (4-9 years) with CIs were evaluated using the "Erfassung des Richtungshörens bei Kindern (ERKI)" device.
• Localization accuracy was measured with different noise stimuli and correlated with audiometric data and CI history.

Main Results:

• Localization accuracy increased with age and CI experience.
• Bilateral CI users showed better localization than unilateral users, especially with pulse pink noise.
• SmartSound iQ with SCAN technology improved localization, particularly in younger children.

Conclusions:

• Cochlear implants support binaural auditory development and improve sound localization skills in children with congenital deafness over time.
• Bilateral implantation and early intervention are recommended for better outcomes, requiring further research.