Trials of a Contralateral Hearing Aid After Long-Term Unilateral Cochlear Implant Use in Early-Onset Deafness

Abstract

When a second CI is not a consideration, a contralateral HA should be pursued as the standard of care for prelingually deaf adults despite substantial auditory deprivation in the previously unaided ear, unpleasant sensations at initial HA fit, or lack of dramatic objective test gains. Frequent audiologist contact, repeated HA adjustments, and client journals are valuable in promoting favorable outcomes with bimodal hearing (adaptation, acceptance, and benefit) for this population.

Patterns of Aided Loudness Growth in Experienced Adult Listeners with Early-Onset Severe–Profound Hearing Loss

“…Results from trying to transition S/PHL HA users to prescription targets and ''maturation of benefit'' have been uneven (Cox, 1993;Cox et al, 2007;Scollie et al, 2010;Convery and Keidser, 2011). Postfitting interventions that have been effective for S/PHL listeners in changing even intensely negative reactions to amplification include (a) frequent communication and personal contact with the audiologist, (b) discussion of what the HA user should expect from newer technology, and (c) reflections on their listening experiences in a written log during adaptation to the new HA (Gottermeier et al, 2016). When clients learn that their first reactions are not atypical and are expected to change, they become more willing to allow time for acclimatization.…”