Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
Cochlear Implantation in Children with Single-Sided Deafness
Nicholas L Deep1, Steven A Gordon1, William H Shapiro1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Insights
Unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) offers a viable treatment for pediatric single-sided deafness (SSD), improving speech perception in quiet and noise. Careful patient selection is key for successful outcomes in children with SSD.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Single-sided deafness (SSD) in children presents unique challenges for auditory development and speech perception.
- Unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) is increasingly considered as a therapeutic option for pediatric SSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of unilateral cochlear implantation in pediatric patients with single-sided deafness.
- To assess speech perception abilities and device usage in children with SSD post-CI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 14 pediatric patients (<18 years) with SSD undergoing unilateral CI.
- Speech perception testing in quiet and noise (CI-only and bimodal conditions) after at least one year of device use.
- Analysis of device usage data logs.
Main Results:
- Mean age at CI was 5.0 years; mean follow-up was 3.4 years.
- Significant improvement in word recognition scores (WRS) in the CI-only condition (mean 56%).
- No negative impact of CI on speech perception in noise; patients performed equally or better with CI-on.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral cochlear implantation is a viable treatment for pediatric SSD in this cohort.
- Successful outcomes include open-set speech and improved performance in background noise.
- Careful patient selection and counseling are crucial for optimal results.
Objective:
To describe our experience with children undergoing unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) for treatment of single-sided deafness (SSD).
Study Design:
Retrospective case series.
Methods:
A retrospective case review from a tertiary referral center involving 14 pediatric patients (<18 years) with SSD who underwent unilateral CI. Speech perception testing in quiet and noise in the CI-only and bimodal conditions with at least 1 year of device use and device usage from data logs represent the main outcome measures.
Results:
The mean age at CI was 5.0 years (median 4.4, range 1.0-11.8 years). The mean duration of deafness was 3.0 years (median 2.4, range 0.6-7.0 years). Mean follow-up was 3.4 years. Speech perception testing with a minimum of 1 year post-CI was available in eight patients. The mean word recognition scores (WRS) in the CI-only condition was 56%; a significant improvement from baseline. Testing in background noise with spatially separated speech and noise revealed that patients scored as well or better with the CI-on versus CI-off in all conditions and in no cases was interference from the CI noted. Data logs were reviewed for device usage which revealed an average use of 6.5 hr/d.
Conclusion:
Cochlear implantation is a viable treatment option for pediatric SSD in this self-selected cohort. Open-set speech and improvement in background noise can be achieved. Careful patient selection and thorough counseling on expectations is paramount to achieving successful outcomes.
Level Of Evidence:
IV Laryngoscope, 131:E271-E277, 2021.
