The Best Users of Cochlear Implants

The aim of this descriptive-analytical study was to compare the categories of auditory performance (CAP) and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) in people with cochlear implants (CI) based on the implanted ear. CAP and SIR were evaluated in 184 people with CI of right (110) and left (74) ears every 6 to 24 months (_6,12,18,24). The significance level was less than 0.05. People with CI in the right-ears had better mean CAP and SIR scores than the left-ears (P values_{6,12,18, 24}= 0.001, 0.004, 0.004, 0.002, and 0.001, 0.010, 0.010, 0.006). There were the relationship between the means of language acquisition status at the time of surgery and the means of CAP and SIR scores (P values_{6,12,18, 24}= 0.005, 0.031, 0.006, 0.019, and 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.002). The highest mean SIR scores were found in people with high school education (P values_{6,12,18, 24}= 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.008). The means of CAP scores did not show a relationship with the level of education (P values_{6, 12, 18, 24}= 0.388, 0.217, 0.297, 0.213).  Mean SIR and CAP scores were not related to gender. People who received right ear prostheses after the language learning age and have a higher level of education are the best users of cochlear implants. Compared to others who do not have these facilities, they gain more ability in auditory-speech skills. Gender, does not affect these capabilities.