Perceptual adaptation after cochlear implantation

Evaluation of Frequency Allocation Tables for Recently Implanted Single-Sided Deaf Cochlear Implant Users

Not applicable Interventional NYU Langone Health · NCT07039435

This trial will try different frequency maps in adults who just received a cochlear implant in one ear to see which map improves sound quality, device use, and speech understanding.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment22 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT07039435 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Newly implanted single-sided deaf cochlear implant (SSD-CI) users will be given four different frequency maps during the first month after device activation, with one map reflecting standard clinical settings and three maps shifted to reduce place-pitch mismatch. Participants will alternate which map they use daily during the first month (with occasional allowed exceptions), then each week will compare all four maps and choose which to use for the following week. Outcomes include subjective sound quality, patterns of device use, and objective speech perception measures. The protocol targets adults with normal or minimal hearing in the opposite ear and excludes those with anatomical abnormalities or significant contralateral hearing loss.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) who are English-speaking, have normal or minimal hearing in the non-implanted ear, intend to receive or have just received a unilateral cochlear implant that has not yet been activated, and have no known ear anatomical abnormalities.

Not a fit: People with significant hearing loss in the contralateral ear, documented anatomical abnormalities of the implanted ear, non-English speakers, or long-term implant users with stable mappings are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could yield better perceived sound quality and improved speech understanding for single-sided deaf cochlear implant users by identifying more comfortable and effective frequency mappings.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies and clinical reports have suggested that remapping to reduce place-pitch mismatch can improve sound quality and sometimes speech perception, but findings across studies have been variable and further data are needed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or older
2. No known anatomical abnormalities in either ear
3. English speaking
4. Intends to receive a cochlear implant in one ear (or has already received it but it has not been activated).
5. Normal hearing (or minimal hearing loss) in the contralateral ear

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Under age 18
2. Documented anatomical abnormality of the implanted ear
3. Non-English speaking
4. Greater than minimal hearing loss in the contralateral ear.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sensorineural Hearing LossCochlear ImplantationPerceptual Adaptation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.