Listening Fatigue after Cochlear Implantation in a SSD Patient A Case Report

Introduction:

If there is a deterioration of speech comprehension in patients after cochlear implantation there is the need to investigate the situation thoroughly.

Methods:

Presentation of a case Report

Results:

At the age of 15 our patient with single sided deafness underwent cochlear implantation on the left side. His single sided deafness occurred after multiple operations due to cholesteatoma. About one year after implantation the patient presented with complete loss of speech comprehension right after wearing the speech processor for about an hour. The Integrity Test did not reveal a device failure. ECAP measurements showed a decrease of the amplitude which suggests a neuronal listening fatigue. Reimplantation was declined by the patient.

Conclusion:

Consideration should be given to device failure and neuronal listening fatigue if a patient with a cochlear implant presents with deterioration of speech comprehension. Along the technical check of the implant itself and the speech processor special programming strategies need to be applied. Dislocation of the implant and the magnet should also be excluded. If all mentioned procedures fail to lead to a solution, reimplantation must be evaluated.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)