Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Comparison of utility measures and auditory performance in children with cochlear implants and hearing aids in India:
Anuradha Sharma1, Shankar Prinja2, Ravinder Thakur1
1Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Department of Otolaryngology, Speech and Hearing Unit, Chandigarh, India.
Objectives:
Hearing loss significantly impacts auditory function and quality of life in children. Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) using utility measures provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of interventions such as Cochlear Implants (CI) and Hearing Aids (HA). To compare HRQoL using multiple utility measures (HUI-3, EQ-5D-5 L, VAS) and functional auditory performance (PEACH, TEACH) in children with cochlear implants, hearing aids, and unaided severe to profound hearing loss.
Methods:
Ninety children aged 7-10 years were divided into three groups (n = 30 each): CI users, HA users, and children with unaided severe to profound hearing loss. Utility measures and auditory performance scales were administered. Statistical analysis involved ANOVA and Pearson's correlation.
Results:
CI users exhibited the highest utility scores (HUI-3 = 0.68964; EQ-5D = 0.88446) and auditory performance scores (PEACH = 37; TEACH = 25.83). Strong correlations were found between utility scores and auditory performance. HUI-3 showed greater sensitivity in detecting hearing-specific QOL improvements.
Conclusion:
Cochlear implantation results in superior HRQoL and auditory performance compared to hearing aids. Use of sensitive, hearing-specific tools like HUI-3 is recommended. LEVEL 3: Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.
