Drs. Terrin Tamati (The Ohio State University) and Aaron Moberly (Vanderbilt University) have been awarded a new NIH R01 grant to investigate how cochlear implants affect communication, cognition, and quality of life across the adult lifespan. Hearing loss is a common condition that can lead to social isolation, reduced well-being, and cognitive decline. While cochlear implants can substantially improve hearing, outcomes vary considerably among recipients, particularly older adults, and traditional clinical tests often do not capture patients' day-to-day communication experiences. Through a combination of hearing and cognitive assessments, quality-of-life measures, and in-depth patient interviews, this study will identify age-related differences in outcomes and uncover the unique needs and priorities of cochlear implant users at different stages of life. The study’s ultimate goal is to identify age-specific challenges and priorities and develop more meaningful ways to evaluate and improve cochlear implant care for adults of all ages.
