Benefits of the HiResolution Bionic Ear System in Adults With Asymmetric Hearing Loss

Change in Consonant Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) Word Recognition Test (Implanted Ear Only)

The post-implant CNC word scores were compared to preimplant word scores. The CNC monosyllabic word test is a validated test of open-set word recognition ability. The test was administered in quiet at 60 target 0° azimuth) and scored as total number of words correct which is expressed for results/reporting as percentage correct. The CNC word test was the primary speech perception metric used for study inclusion determination and postoperative outcome comparison at defined intervals for this feasibility study. A higher percentage of recognized words represents better hearing of spoken words. The intent is to understand the benefit of the implant treatment option and restoration of auditory input results in improved speech understanding.

Time frame: Baseline and Twelve months

Change in Unaided Hearing Thresholds (Contralateral, Non-Implanted Ear, Only)

Unaided audiometric thresholds compared to preimplant. Standard audiometric procedures were used for the testing of inter-octave frequencies as necessary. • Unaided air conduction thresholds using insert earphones at octave frequencies were measured for the contralateral, non-implanted ear at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz. Clinical masking was completed as appropriate.

Time frame: Baseline and Twelve months

Change in Speech Perception (Bilateral Listening Condition) - Speech Front, Noise Front

AzBio speech scores in speech front, noise front twelve months post implantation compared to preimplant bilateral sentence scores. The AzBio speech testing was the primary speech perception metric used for baseline and postoperative outcome comparison at defined intervals for this feasibility study. A higher percentage of recognized words represents better hearing of spoken words.

Time frame: Baseline and Twelve months

Change in Lateralization Ability Testing (Bilateral Listening Condition)

Lateralization is ability to recognize the location of sound origin compared to preimplantation. The subject was asked to identify if the sentence was heard from the right or left loudspeaker. Scoring was based on the number of sentence locations correctly identified and expressed as a percent average. A higher percent average indicates a better ability to identify sound location.