The minimum duration of successful bilateral hearing aid trial before cochlear implantation candidacy is assessed in postlingually deafened adults (as per most guidelines) is:
- A 1 month
- B 3 months
- C 6 months ✓
- D 12 months
Correct answer: C. 6 months
Explanation
Cochlear implant candidacy guidelines require documentation of limited benefit from appropriately fitted bilateral hearing aids tried consistently for at least 3–6 months. The 6-month trial is the standard benchmark in most international and Indian guidelines before concluding that hearing aids provide insufficient benefit for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. A shorter trial does not allow accurate assessment of functional benefit.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.