Are new settings required in hear- and speech rehabilitation with SSD-CI-users?

Introduction:

The effectiveness of cochlear implantation in SSD (single sided deafness)/AHL (asymmetric hearing loss) has been confirmed (Mertens et al., 2016; Arndt et al., 2017). Until todayonly few studies have been carried out on expectations of rehabilitation after CI surgery (Nawaz et al., 2014; Finke et al., 2017). The aim of our study is to clarify if SSD/AHL CI users need rehabilitation with hearing and speech therapy (HSTH), and if so, which new contents of the HSTH may be necessary?

Method:

75 CI patients were included: GrSSD/AHL = 10 SSD patients and 10 AHL patients (Pat.); Grbim = 36 bimodal patients (CI/HG) and 2 unilateral patients; Grbil = 17 bilateral patients. With 3 non-standardised questionnaires, adapted to the counselling and therapy contents of the HSTH in our centre, a survey was carried out on t1 = pre-OP; t2 = 1st stay after CI-OP; t3 = 12 – 15 months after 1st stay. Oldenburg Satztest (OLSA) in quiet and Freiburger Einsilbertest were recorded from t2 to the end of rehabilitation.

Results:

The majority of GrSSD/AHL wanted 3 years for the duration of rehabilitation. The actual duration was on average 3.1 years (y) (min: 1.7-max: 5.5 y). The OLSA showed to t3 that 50% of the GrSSD/AHL reached between 90%-100%; on average: 73,4% (min: 0%- max: 100%), partly increased up to 4 years after CI-OP. The contents of the HSTH are "very important/important" to the majority of the GrSSD/AHL; overall comparable results with Grbil/Grbim.

Conclusion:

Rehabilitation after CI surgery is important and effective for SSD/AHL patients. The duration of rehabilitation should be > 3 years. The contents correspond to those of the Grbil/Grbim. Music therapy and telephone training are items that are essential only for some of the GrSSD/AHL, thus should be applied individually.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)