This systematic review aimed to clarify the current status of environmental sound perception in individuals with hearing loss using hearing aids and/or cochlear implants, and to identify effective support methods.
No immediate practice change; findings map the current evidence base and may highlight gaps in rehabilitation counselling on environmental sound awareness, but no specific clinical protocol change is indicated yet.
Environmental sound awareness is a critical but underexplored dimension of hearing rehabilitation, and clarifying the evidence base could shape future outcome measures and device fitting goals.
- 01Systematic review synthesises evidence on environmental sound perception in hearing aid and cochlear implant users.
- 02Environmental sound recognition is distinct from speech perception and is often neglected in clinical outcome measures.
- 03Findings highlight the current state and gaps in evidence for this aspect of auditory rehabilitation.
- 04Both hearing aid and cochlear implant users are included, allowing cross-device comparisons.
- 05Results may inform future rehabilitation protocols and patient counselling on non-speech listening.
Environmental sound perception in individuals with hearing loss can be systematically reviewed across hearing aid and cochlear implant populations.
studysupported- PMID
- 42054730
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.anl.2026.03.002.
- Journal
- Auris Nasus Larynx
- Publication type
- systematic_review
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Individuals with hearing loss using hearing aids and/or cochlear implants
- Intervention
- Hearing aids and/or cochlear implants
Primary outcomes
Environmental sound perception accuracy; Recognition performance across device types