Bilateral hearing aid use is feasible in patients with well-preserved hearing who struggle to acclimate to combined electro-acoustic (hybrid) stimulation

Abstract

Objective: This report presents a case study of a patient who resumed bilateral hearing aid use after nearly four years of limited progress and subjective dissatisfaction with a hybrid cochlear implant device. Design: Case study. Study Sample: One patient. Results: The patient’s post-operative objective and subjective abilities with bilateral hearing aids were better than with a hybrid cochlear implant and contralateral hearing aid. Conclusions: Although the benefits of combined acoustic and electric hearing have been well-documented, this report presents a solution for those with well-preserved hearing and poor hybrid cochlear implant performance: returning to bilateral hearing aid use.