To characterize longitudinal cochlear implant (CI) usage patterns in children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and evaluate the impact of age at implantation and duration of deafness on device use.
✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦
Earlier implantation age and longer device use duration appear linked to better outcomes in pediatric unilateral hearing loss; audiologists should document and monitor longitudinal device usage patterns as part of routine CI follow-up for this population.
✦ Why It Matters ✦
As cochlear implantation for unilateral hearing loss in children becomes more common, longitudinal usage data are essential for refining candidacy guidelines and counseling families on realistic outcome expectations.
✦ Key Points ✦
- 01Study characterized real-world cochlear implant usage patterns in children with unilateral hearing loss.
- 02