There is a great deal of evidence to show binaural benefit in normally hearing subjects and also in binaural hearing aid fittings. These benefits include the ability to localize sound, improved listening in quiet and in background noise. These binaural benefits are due to the head shadow effect, binaural redundancy, and binaural squelch. There has been evidence to show that patients implanted bilaterally may be able to benefit from some of these binaural advantages. Benefits The expected benefits of bilateral implantation over unilateral implantation are shown to include: Improved localization of sound Improved speech understanding in quiet.
Improved speech understanding in background noise. Stimulation of both auditory pathways. A guarantee that the better performing ear has been implanted. Improvements in speech, language and auditory development in children. In the event that one…
