February 2, 2026, Alexandria, Virginia—A new study examining music habits among cochlear implant users has found that better hearing ability with the implant—as measured by standard speech tests—significantly correlates with increased time spent listening to music. The findings suggest that optimizing cochlear implant programming and speech outcomes may have broader benefits for patients' quality of life beyond communication alone.
"Hearing impairment negatively impacts our ability to understand speech and enjoy music. Though not as good our natural hearing, thankfully, cochlear implants can rehabilitate hearing loss when hearing aids are no longer effective. Our study shows that better speech outcome can promote patients' reconnection with music after implantation," said Anil K. Lalwani, MD, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Co-Director, Columbia Cochlear Implant Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The research, published in the February 2026 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery analyzed data from 72 adult cochlear implant recipients, including users of bilateral implants, bimodal devices (one implant and one hearing aid), and unilateral implants.
The study found that for every 10 decibels of better hearing (as measured by pure-tone average) with the cochlear implant, participants reported a 1.3-point increase in music listening time on a 10-point scale. Similarly, for every 10% improvement in word recognition scores, there was a corresponding 0.34-point increase in self-reported music listening habits.
Study participants had an average of 7.5 years of cochlear implant experience and rated their current music enjoyment at 5.9 on a 10-point scale (slightly above neutral). Time spent listening to music averaged 5.1 on the scale, indicating largely stable listening habits compared to before implantation.
The researchers note that the study's findings add to a relatively limited body of literature on music listening habits among cochlear implant users, as most prior research has focused on music perception abilities rather than actual listening behaviors.
About Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are electronic medical devices that provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. While they excel at restoring speech understanding, challenges remain in transmitting the complex acoustic information necessary for full music appreciation.
Cochlear implants have revolutionized treatment for severe-to-profound hearing loss, often restoring speech understanding remarkably well. However, their ability to support music perception has remained limited, with particular challenges in pitch and timbre recognition. Many recipients also report reduced music enjoyment and decreased time spent listening to music after implantation.
