Longitudinal outcomes of auditory and spoken language skills following unilateral and bilateral cochlear implantation in children and young adults with inner ear malformations

Severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss significantly impairs spoken language acquisition and cognitive development. Cochlear implants (CIs) bypass damaged inner ear structures to directly stimulate the cochlear nerve and represent an effective rehabilitation strategy....

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Bilateral cochlear implantation should be considered even for patients with inner ear malformations, as longitudinal data suggest auditory and spoken language outcomes are achievable; however, full practice change requires review of the specific effect sizes and sample characteristics reported in the paper.

Inner ear malformations have historically raised uncertainty about cochlear implant candidacy and outcomes, and longitudinal comparative data in this population directly inform implant team decision-making.

1. 01Longitudinal design tracks auditory and spoken language development over time in a structurally complex population.
2. 02Compares unilateral vs. bilateral cochlear implantation outcomes in children and young adults with inner ear malformations.
3. 03Population has severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (nerve-related deafness) alongside structural inner ear differences.
4. 04Findings may help guide candidacy decisions and counseling for families facing cochlear implant choices in atypical anatomy.
5. 05Published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, a peer-reviewed clinical journal.

PMID

42804928

DOI

10.1016/j.ijporl.2026.113032.

Journal

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Children and young adults with inner ear malformations and severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss

Intervention

Bilateral cochlear implantation

Comparator

Unilateral cochlear implantation