Presentation of a long-term study on sound localization ability in newly implanted cochlear implant users with different modalities

This prospective long-term study investigates the development of sound localization, speech recognition, and self-perceived hearing in adult cochlear implant (CI) users during rehabilitation. Data is collected over a twelve-month period using the “Erfassung des Richtungshörens bei Kindern (ERKI)” system (Auritec, Hamburg, Germany), the Freiburg monosyllabic test, and the “Speech Spatial Qualities Questionnaire (SSQ12)”. Initial results show significant improvements in sound localization after eight and twelve months, and in speech recognition after four and twelve months. In contrast, subjective hearing perception remains largely unchanged. So far, no significant correlation has been found between patients’ subjective assessments and their audiological outcomes.