References
Benefits
Improved speech perception
1. “In addition, post-operative speech perception in quiet was related to post-operative performance in attentional tasks in OA (τ=-0.26, p=0.02 vs MA τ=-0.19, p=0.16), whereas improvement of speech perception significantly correlated to an improvement of M3 in both age groups (MA: τ=-0.27, p=0.048 and OA: τ=-0.23, p=0.03).” (Völter et al. 2020)
Benefits
Better SNR
1. “After one year of CI usage, we observed a positive change in speech-to-noise ratio (SNR) across the three different configurations explored (delta values: 0.43 dB SNR in S0N0; 0.19dB SNR in S0Nci and 1.4dB SNR in S0Nnh).” (Cuda et al. 2025)
2. “Successful auditory rehabilitation can also be achieved in unilateral deafness (normal hearing on the contralateral side), meaning that CI treatment in the deaf ear: […] Significantly improves speech intelligibility in noise (improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] in the Oldenburg sentence test [OLSA] of 2.23 dB)” (Dazert et al. 2020)
Benefits
Better communication
1. “Nevertheless, our results clearly indicate that the substantial majority of such patients feel that they have derived benefit from cochlear implantation. This benefit is a consequence of improved communication (lip-reading skills) confidence, environmental awareness, and greater independence.” (Chee et al. 2004)
Benefits
Natural sound quality of the CI
1. “Among the different dimensions evaluated by the Gabrielsson test, the mean scores for clarity, spaciousness, fullness, nearness, and total impression were significantly higher with tonotopic fitting.” (Creff et al. 2024)
Benefits
Music appreciation
1. “For newly implanted cochlear implant users, a tonotopic-based fitting (TF) appears beneficial for perceiving complex sound signals, such as music. At study end, 92% of participants chose to keep the TF setting for their daily use.” (Creff et al. 2024)
Benefits
Potential tinnitus reduction
1. In SSD: “Electrical stimulation via a CI resulted in a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness (mean ± SD; 1 year after implantation, 2.4 ± 1.8; 2 years after implantation, 2.5 ± 1.9; before implantation, 8.5 ± 1.3). With the device deactivated, tinnitus loudness was still reduced to between 6.1 and 7.0 over 24 months. The Tinnitus Questionnaire revealed a significant positive effect of CI stimulation.“ (Van de Heyning et al 2008)
Benefits
Reduced listening effort and related fatigue
1. In SSD: “After cochlear implantation, subjective listening effort seems to decrease in CI users with SSD and with asymmetric hearing loss (3, 47).” (Dillon et al. 2018, Lopez et al. 2021 cited from Philips et al. 2023)
Benefits
Quality of life improvement
1. “Statistically significant differences were found in almost all dimensions of health-related quality of life (except pain). Significant improvement (p < 0.001) was observed in the dimensions of independent living, sense, mental health, happiness, coping, relationships, and self-worth, and also in both superdimensions. The overall quality of life (UI) significantly increased after cochlear implantation.” (Rostkowska et al 2021)
Benefits
Reduced loneliness
1. Many studies, such as those cited in the consensus paper by Buchmann et al. 2020, show that the fitting of a cochlear implant impacts hearing-impaired persons far beyond their ability to hear. Evidence suggests that cochlear implant use can lead to improvement in social isolation, loneliness, and depression of well-being and mental health.” (Buchmann et al. 2020 cited from Illg et al. 2021)
Benefits
Reduction in symptoms of depression
1. “The present study showed a post-implantation decrease in anxiety and depression in more than half of the participants in both age groups. The mean anxiety values went from “borderline” to “normal” and the depression scores decreased significantly.” (Calvino et al. 2022)
Benefits
Reduced stigmatization (about deafness)
1. Quality of life significantly increased (p < 0.001) after cochlear implantation in almost all domains (except the pain dimension). The mean increase in overall quality of life was 0.16, the greatest improvement was found in the dimensions senses (mean change of 0.17) and self-worth (mean change 0.16).” (Rostkowska et al. 2021)
Benefits
Return to social responsibilities/Engagement in daily life tasks
1. “Most of our patients are employed. Some have managed to assume more challenging, responsibilities and attribute this to their cochlear implant. Improved communication skills and greater independence may, in part, be responsible for giving patients the confidence to pursue more fulfilling and perhaps better-paying jobs.” (Chee et al. 2004)
Benefits
Higher quality job opportunities
1. “Most of our patients are employed. Some have managed to assume more challenging, responsibilities and attribute this to their cochlear implant. Improved communication skills and greater independence may, in part, be responsible for giving patients the confidence to pursue more fulfilling and perhaps better-paying jobs.” (Chee et al. 2004)
Benefits
Lower risk of cognitive decline related to hearing loss
1. “20% of the subjects aged 65–85 years had an abnormal score on at least three out of six subtests before CI provision; this decreased to only 5% after cochlear implantation. In general, cognitive functions significantly improved at six or at 12 months of CI use (22, 24).” (Völter et al. 2022)
More: Zhan et al. 2020, Vasil et al. 2020, Claes et al. 2018
Benefits
Remaining Independent
1. “Better hearing not only improved individuals’ ability to communicate verbally, but also their ability to function independently on a daily basis.” (Cuda et al. 2024)
Benefits
Remaining socially active
1. “In particular, “Social participation” as a treatment success directly experienced by the patient reaches the level of the general population within only 6 months postoperatively and even exceeds this level 6 years after CI treatment.” (Issing et al. 2024)
Benefits
Reduced loneliness
1. “They appeared to feel less lonely and felt less handicapped by their hearing loss. Clinically and statistically significant gains in health utility, independence, loneliness, hearing ability and hearing handicap were observed regardless of young, middle or old old age group.” (Cuda et al. 2024)
Benefits
Reduction in symptoms of depression
1. “After 1 year of CI use, the mean depression scores decreased significantly in both age groups: from 5.8±4.3 to 4.4±4.2 in the<60y group and from 7.3±5.3 to 6.3±4.4 in the≥60y group (Fig. 5C). A decrease in the depression scores was reported by 82% of participants in the<60 group and by 50% in the ≥60y group.”
Benefits
Quality of life improvement
1. “Our study data demonstrate a rapid and stable improvement in quality of life over the 6 years in elderly patients over the age of 65.” (Issing et al. 2024)
Benefits
Improved quality of life for the communication partner
1. “Partners described being less concerned about the safety of the CI recipient, a reduction in the need for them to act as an interpreter for their spouse, and a reduction in stress associated with caring for their partner following cochlear implantation. Cochlear implantation has been found to enhance autonomy, normalcy, and social life satisfaction for CI recipients and, importantly, their partners.”
Benefits
Potential tinnitus reduction
1. “Electrical stimulation via a CI resulted in a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness (mean ± SD; 1 year after implantation, 2.4 ± 1.8; 2 years after implantation, 2.5 ± 1.9; before implantation, 8.5 ± 1.3). With the device deactivated, tinnitus loudness was still reduced to between 6.1 and 7.0 over 24 months. The Tinnitus Questionnaire revealed a significant positive effect of CI stimulation.” (Van de Heyning)