Impact of auditory cortical asymmetry in cochlear implantation

AbstractObjectiveIs there a cochlear implant ear advantage for speech perception?PatientsA total number of 68 cochlear implant recipients were evaluated retrospectively. They were 20 adults implanted in right ear, 20 matched adults implanted in left ear while 14 children implanted in right ear and 14 matched children implanted in left ear.MethodsBehavioral responses & age based speech perception tests were evaluated at 6 months and 1 year post implantation.ResultsAdult showed no statistical difference in all tests at 6 months evaluation while 1 year evaluation showed significant better performance for right implanted group in monosyllabic discrimination test. Children showed statistical significant performance in monosyllabic identification and minimal pairs testes at 6 months evaluation; and in monosyllabic identification only at 1 year evaluation.ConclusionThe present data support that right ear implantation would fasten the development of auditory skills especially in young children, an issue to be con...