Long-Term Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Usage in Children with Single-Sided Deafness

Abstract

Objective To assess cochlear implant (CI) sound processor usage over time in children with single-sided deafness (SSD) and identify factors influencing device use. Study Design Retrospective, chart review study. Setting Pediatric tertiary referral center. Patients Children with SSD who received CI between 2014 and 2020. Outcome Measure Primary outcome was average daily CI sound processor usage over follow-up. Results Fifteen children with SSD who underwent CI surgery were categorized based on age of diagnosis and surgery timing. Over an average of 4.3-year follow-up, patients averaged 4.6 hours/day of CI usage. Declining usage trends were noted over time, with the first 2 years postactivation showing higher rates. No significant usage differences emerged based on age, surgery timing, or hearing loss etiology. Conclusions Long-term usage decline necessitates further research into barriers and enablers for continued CI use in pediatric SSD cases.