What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a training program for improving sound localization in adults with cochlear implants and single-sided deafness.

July 18, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Training of sound localization in adult cochlear implant users with single-sided deafness

WKWillem Alexander Klatt KOKirsten Oberländer MMMarius Markgraf

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a training program for improving sound localization in adults with cochlear implants and single-sided deafness.
Cohort of 20 adult postlingually deafened SSD CI users
Implemented a training program over four weeks
Utilized 7 loudspeakers positioned at 30-degree intervals for sound localization tasks.
Significant improvement in localization skills for sounds primarily in frontal directions.
Further studies needed with a larger sample size and a control group to confirm findings.
Potential recommendations for incorporating localization training into CI rehabilitation.

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of a pilot study investigating the feasibility of a training of sound localization abilities in cochlear implant (CI) users with single-sided deafness (SSD). The training program has been implemented in a cohort of 20 adult postlingually deafened SSD CI users across a period of four weeks. The training setup consisted of 7 loudspeakers placed on the azimuth in steps of 30 degrees. The present data clearly showed an improvement in localization skills, mainly for acoustic sources placed in the frontal directions. Further studies are necessary to confirm the benefits of localization training in a larger sample including a control group, with the aim to establish localization training as a regular part in CI rehabilitation settings.

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