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Long-term audiologic outcomes after cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness
Christopher Blake Sullivan1, Zaid Al-Qurayshi1, Vivian Zhu1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|November 12, 2019
Summary
Cochlear implants (CI) significantly improve word understanding and hearing abilities in individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD). These devices also enhance sound localization and reduce tinnitus, improving overall quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Single-sided deafness (SSD) presents unique challenges for hearing and spatial awareness.
- Cochlear implantation (CI) is a treatment option for SSD, but long-term functional outcomes require thorough evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term audiometric outcomes, sound localization, binaural benefits, and tinnitus in patients with SSD following cochlear implantation.
- To analyze functional improvements in a large cohort of CI recipients with SSD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 patients with SSD underwent cochlear implantation.
- Pre- and postoperative assessments included speech recognition (CNC, AzBio), pure tone thresholds, sound localization, and tinnitus (Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in word recognition (CNC) and sentence understanding (AzBio) post-CI (P < 0.001).
- Sound localization abilities showed a trend of longitudinal improvement.
- Significant improvements in tinnitus-related well-being and hearing abilities were reported (P = 0.011 and P = 0.001, respectively).
- Binaural benefit, particularly the head shadow effect, significantly improved (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation in patients with SSD leads to meaningful improvements in speech understanding.
- Gradual improvement in sound localization and significant reduction in tinnitus indicate enhanced functional outcomes.
- The study represents the largest cohort to date analyzing functional outcomes in CI SSD subjects, highlighting the benefits of CI for this population.
