Auditory Training and Cochlear Implants

Abstract

Auditory training (AT) is a promising rehabilitation approach for pediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients, but higher quality evidence is needed. This thesis examined the effectiveness of AT for improving speech, language, cognitive and quality of life outcomes in children using CIs and hearing aids.Nine studies met inclusion criteria. AT led to significant gains on trained tasks across all investigations, with some demonstrating transfer to untrained skills and retention up to 6 months post-training. Both analytic and synthetic training approaches proved effective. However, evidence quality was assessed as low to moderate due to methodological limitations such as lack of randomization, blinding and controls in certain studies.While demonstrating potential, AT merits further investigation employing randomized controlled trials with larger, more diverse samples and broader outcome assessments including quality of life and long-term retention. Future research should prioritize standardized compliance monitoring and detailed reporting of training protocols to facilitate comparison between studies and identification of optimal methods. With more robust methodology and evidence, AT may emerge as a valuable tool for maximizing speech, language and functional outcomes for pediatric CI recipients. Higher quality evidence is needed to strengthen clinical recommendations regarding AT.