Relative importance of sound deprivation and length of significant deafness in predicting cochlear implantation outcomes – Mentor Package Level 2

Presentation Outcomes:

Consequences of sound deprivation (unaided hearing loss) are frequently discussed in audiology clinics. When a broad definition of deprivation is used, there is a risk to rely on untested assumptions about its impacts. For example, in adults considering unilateral cochlear implantation, it is common to recommend implanting the “poorer” ear. Doubts arise, however, about the probability of obtaining satisfactory outcomes, when the “poorer” ear has had a long duration of sound deprivation. This is despite limited evidence in the literature supporting these doubts. This presentation is based on published studies and will provide a guide to informed decision-making in adults with a long duration unilateral sound deprivation considering a cochlear implant. The objectives of this presentation are to review the concept of duration of deafness and its relationship with outcomes of cochlear implantation, and how it applies to adults with residual hearing in their non-implanted ear. This will be done by examining speech recognition results obtained by adults with a hearing asymmetry (different duration of deafness between the ears) who received a cochlear implant in their better or poorer ear.

After this presentation you will have an understanding of:

• the current research on the impact of sound deprivation
• the factors that assist with informed decision making in adults with a duration of sound deprivation prior to implantation

Video Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Attending Relative importance of sound deprivation and length of significant deafness in predicting cochlear implantation outcomes will contribute 1.5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Registered PD addressing 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 6.4, 6.5, 7.3, and 7.4 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.