Hearing aids (HAs) and cochlear implants (CIs) improve speech perception for individuals with hearing loss (HL), yet their impact on music outcomes remains unclear. We examined music perception, engagement, and reward in a large cohort of individuals across various hearing conditions.
Clinicians should proactively discuss music engagement and satisfaction with hearing-device users, as rehabilitation type and degree of hearing loss appear to shape music reward — though this study alone does not dictate specific protocol changes.
Music perception is a frequently overlooked dimension of hearing rehabilitation, and characterising reward differences across device types can guide more patient-centred counselling and technology fitting goals.
- 01Examines music engagement and emotional reward across a spectrum of hearing loss severity.
- 02Compares outcomes in unaided, hearing-aid, and cochlear implant users.
- 03Music perception is an important but often under-addressed rehabilitation outcome.
- 04Published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHN); DOI 10.1002/ohn.70340.
- 05Findings could inform patient counselling around realistic music listening expectations with different devices.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants differentially affect music perception and reward outcomes across the spectrum of hearing loss.
studypartially supportedDegree of hearing loss is associated with differences in music engagement and enjoyment.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42464529
- DOI
- 10.1002/ohn.70340.
- Journal
- Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 3
- Population
- Individuals across a spectrum of hearing loss, including unaided, hearing-aid users, and cochlear implant users
- Intervention
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants for hearing rehabilitation
- Comparator
- Individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss and rehabilitation status (including unaided)
Primary outcomes
Music engagement levels; Music reward (emotional/hedonic response to music)