Cochlear Pediatric Sequential Bilateral Study

Approximately two years ago, Cochlear Americas initiated the first multi-center study of sequential (one CI followed by a second CI during separate surgical procedures) bilateral cochlear implantation in children in the U.S.  The study is ongoing, with very promising results.  Preliminary data indicate improved hearing with two cochlear implants for children in all age groups.  There were 25 participants in this study, who were divided into three age groups:

Group 1:  ages 3-5
Group 2:  ages 5-8
Group 3:  ages 8-13

Surgeries and postoperative recoveries have been uneventful.  While the sound for the second system is initially strange, the children implanted thus far have adapted well to the second side, after a period of adjustment.  Younger kids may be adapting more easily.

Pediatric Conclusions

Speech in quiet environments
For kids under age 8, speech perception for the second ear almost catches up with the first ear by 6 months, the same result was not so for kids ages 8-13.

Speech in noisy environments
The children obtain bilateral benefit when listening in noise

Localization
Early (under 12 months) data indicated localization is a difficult task for children to do
More recent data collected on children with more experience suggest that localization skills take some time to develop, but they do develop.