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

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.