Sound Localization in Single-Sided Deafness; Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial on the Comparison Between...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Single-sided deafness (SSD) presents challenges in sound localization and spatial hearing.
• Limited prospective studies compare multiple SSD treatment options for long-term outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare sound localization and spatial hearing outcomes for SSD patients treated with cochlear implants (CI), bone conduction devices (BCD), CROS hearing aids, or no treatment.
• To evaluate objective and subjective measures over a two-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 120 eligible SSD patients.
• Patients were randomized to CI or a trial period with BCD and CROS devices.
• Assessments included sound localization accuracy and subjective spatial hearing (SSQ questionnaire) at baseline and 24 months.

Main Results:

• Cochlear implantation (CI) group demonstrated superior sound localization accuracy and subjective spatial hearing compared to BCD, CROS, and no-treatment groups at 24 months.
• Both CI and CROS groups showed significant improvement in subjective spatial hearing from baseline.

Conclusions:

• Cochlear implants (CI) offer better sound localization and spatial hearing outcomes for single-sided deafness (SSD) than bone conduction devices (BCD), CROS hearing aids, or no treatment.
• The findings support CI as a highly effective treatment for improving auditory function in SSD patients.