Objective: Candidacy and outcomes of cochlear implants for paediatrics with single sided deafness 

 

Details: Descriptive article of the candidacy, benefits and considerations regarding cochlear implants for paediatrics with unilateral hearing loss. 

 

Results: Improvements that can be expected from cochlear implantation in the child with SSD include better speech perception in quiet and noise, sound localization, speech and language development, and quality of life. Children with SSD owing to CND are not candidates for CI. Nerve deficiency should be evaluated by high resolution 3-dimensional MRI of the internal auditory canals. CI for SSD is of special consideration in children with history of congenital CMV or cochlear malformation that places the child’s one normal hearing ear at risk for future hearing loss. The duration of deafness, with shorter being more favorable, and patient and family motivation should be considered in the decision for implantation.

 

Summary: Cochlear implantation in the pediatric severe to profound unilateral hearing loss patient allows for significant improvement in speech recognition in quiet and noise as well as sound localization. Outcomes in cochlear implantation in pediatric patients with severe to profound unilateral hearing loss may be impacted etiology, duration of deafness, and family/patient motivation. Additional research is required to determine optimal timing and device choice to allow for maximal outcomes.