Abstract:
BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to develop new therapies to improve cognitive function in adults following
cochlear implant surgery. This study aims to determine if completing at-home computer-based brain training
activities improve memory and thinking skills in adults following their first cochlear implant.
METHODS: This study will be conducted as a single-blind, head-to-head, randomised controlled trial (RCT). It will
determine whether auditory training combined with adaptive computerised cognitive training will elicit greater
improvement in cognition, sound and speech perception, mood, and quality of life outcomes in adult cochlear
implant recipients, when compared to auditory training combined with non-adaptive (i.e. placebo) computerised
cognitive training. Participants 18 years or older who meet the clinical criteria for a cochlear implant will be
recruited into the study.
RESULTS: The results of this trial will clarify whether the auditory training combined with cognitive training will improve
cognition, sound and speech perception, mood, and quality of life outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients.
DISCUSSION: We anticipate that our findings will have implications for clinical practice in the treatment of adult
cochlear implant recipients.
