Ear asymmetry and cochlear implant outcomes (Davidson et al., 2026)

Both BCI groups’ localization scores were, however, significantly better than those of the BM group. Language and reading scores were not significantly different for the three groups. Regression analyses of localization scores revealed positive effects for earlier receipt of CI/s and negative effects of longer duration of acoustic experience, although this effect was moderated by degree of residual hearing.

Larger speech perception asymmetry negatively affected localization scores but had no effect on language or reading scores.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Conclusions: </b>Speech perception asymmetry negatively affected localization but not language or reading in adolescent CI users. Prolonged acoustic experience (via BM use) increased speech perception asymmetry and reduced localization skills. Localization skills had no significant effects on spoken language or reading scores in adolescence.

Clinically, asymmetry guides device recommendations, but asymmetry’s impact, if any, differs by outcome. For children with better residual hearing, early acoustic hearing (via BM use) benefits both localization and language. Thus, careful timing of BCIs is advised.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Supplemental Material S1.</b> Localization regressions.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Supplemental Material S2.</b> Receptive language (CASL) regressions.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Supplemental Material S3.</b> Reading passage comprehension (WRMT) regressions.</p><p dir="ltr">Davidson, L. S., Uchanski, R. M., Geers, A. E., & Spehar, B. (2026).

The effect of between-ear speech perception asymmetry on localization, spoken language, and literacy for adolescents with cochlear implants. <i>Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. </i>Advance online publication. <a href="doi.org/10.1044/2026_JSLHR-25-01063" target="_blank">doi.org/10.1044/2026_JSLHR-25-01063</a></p>