Deafness is the most frequent human sensory deficit. Cochlear implantation is the primary intervention. Currently over 6000 people have bilateral cochlear implants in the United Kingdom, most of these are children.~Two implants are supposed to provide better access to sound, but it is challenging to interpret and integrate what is heard from both sides. Our 'Living with cochlear implants' Patient and Public Involvement group reported that everyday communication is challenging and tiring, with extra effort required to integrate information from two ears, especially in noise. They reported that current rehabilitation techniques are not engaging, or appropriate to their lifestyles.~To address these issues, we have developed a set of virtual reality games called BEARS (Both EARS). BEARS trains sound localisation and listening in noise. These are skills required in everyday listening.~The aim of this trial is to determine whether using the directional listening training delivered via the BEARS training package for 3-months alongside usual care compared to only receiving usual care improves speech-in-noise perception, hearing experiences, vocabulary and quality of life and reduces listening effort in young people between 8-16 years old (inclusive) with two cochlear implants. The study will be carried out in clinical cochlear implant departments in National Health Service or University hospitals.~Participants will be randomly allocated into one of two groups:~Receiving the BEARS training package to use for 3-months alongside usual care~Continue with usual care~The participants will complete hearing assessments and questionnaires before completing the 3-month intervention. They will be followed up for the next 9-months through online and in-person appointments.~Participants and clinicians can also consent to qualitative or process evaluation interviews, which are BEARS sub-studies
The goal of the BEARS clinical trial is to determine whether using the directional listening training delivered via the BEARS training package for 3-months alongside usual care compared to only receiving usual care improves speech-in-noise perception, hearing experiences, vocabulary and quality of life and reduces listening effort in young people between 8-16 years old (inclusive) with two cochlear implants.~The participants will complete hearing assessments and questionnaires before completing the 3-month intervention. They will be followed up for the next 9-months through online and in-person appointments.