PP803 - Binaural Perception in Cochlear Implant Recipients: Retrospective Analysis of Speech Perception

POSTERS

Location: Halls A1-A2

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Lead Presenter(s)

PF

Phillip Friggle, BS (he/him/his)

Audiology Graduate Student
University of Louisville Audiology
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

PDF Handouts Slides

Presenter(s)

Josephine L. Kinder, BS (she/her/hers)

Audiology Graduate Student
University of Louisville
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
CC

Caroline Cuthbertson, BS (she/her/hers)

Audiology Graduate Student
University of Louisville Audiology
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Yonghee Oh, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department of Otolaryngology, HNS and Communicative Disorders, School of Medicine, University of Louisville
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Abstract:
Much progress has been made in binaural speech perception for cochlear implant (CI) recipients. However, there remains significant variability in the benefits of the two devices, with some patients showing little benefit or worse performance for speech perception compared to either ear alone. The goal of this study is to investigate different patterns of CI users' binaural speech perception. Through retrospective data analysis, we look at individual cases where underlying binaural interferences may be prohibiting a patient’s ability to communicate to the best of their ability.

Summary:
Rationale/

Purpose:
The eligibility criteria for cochlear implant candidacy are grounded in the pursuit of optimizing personalized auditory outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those grappling with severe hearing loss. The comprehension of how these individuals perceive everyday sounds assumes paramount importance. However, a nuanced exploration into the individualized facets of binaural advantages and disadvantages remains an under-explored terrain in both research and clinical practice. In other words, exploring the intricacies of bimodal and bilateral hearing allows for tailored interventions that align with individual patient needs, and a profound understanding of binaural and monaural benefits holds the potential to significantly enhance various aspects of binaural speech perception. The purpose of this study was to explore binaural perception patterns in cochlear implant (CI) recipients by using retrospective data analysis of their monaural vs. binaural speech perception scores. By investigating these trends, the study aims to uncover patterns and trends that could offer crucial insights into the efficacy of binaural hearing, potentially revolutionizing interventions and treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

Methods:
367 CI recipients (Cochlear Ltd, Sydney, Australia) were extracted from the patient database of the University of Louisville Hospital, Audiology Clinic. They were divided into two groups: those who used two CIs and those who used bimodal stimulation (a CI with a contralateral hearing aid). Subjects’ demographic information (age, sex, CI internal/external device, duration of hearing loss, duration of CI use), pure tone audiometry, and speech perception scores were examined. The subjects' monaural and binaural speech perception scores were analyzed to explore binaural speech perception patterns. In particular, the subjects who didn’t have both monaural and binaural speech perception scores were invited to the lab and re-tested for those conditions.

Results/

Conclusions:
The results of the preliminary data analysis showed four distinct binaural speech perception patterns in both CI user groups: 1) binaural benefit; 2) binaural averaging; 3) binaural interference; and 4) better-ear dominance. The presence of both binaural averaging and binaural interference trends implies that listening on two devices is not always better than one. Increased understanding of how binaural disadvantages (binaural averaging and binaural interference) affect speech perception for CI users is clinically essential for the future design of training- and device-based rehabilitative strategies to increase the benefits of binaural processing for speech perception in quiet and in noise. In addition, delving into the intricacies of individual binaural benefits is crucial for refining treatment strategies and tailoring services to the unique needs of each recipient, consequently bolstering speech perception and spatial hearing abilities. Such insights hold promise for addressing suboptimal outcomes, notable in mitigating instances of binaural interference.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will have gained knowledge about four distinct patterns of binaural speech perception in cochlear implant recipients: binaural benefit, binaural averaging, binaural interference, and better-ear dominance.