A systematic review and meta-analysis, led by Kaitlin Hori from Keck School of Medicine, examined the social quality-of-life improvements among adults with hearing loss using cochlear implants versus hearing aids. The analysis included 65 studies with 5,911 participants, showing cochlear implants enhanced social QoL significantly more than hearing aids, with standardized mean differences of 1.37 vs. 0.62, respectively. The study highlighted that while both devices improved social outcomes, cochlear implants offered greater benefits, particularly in reducing perceived social handicap.

Source: JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery