Cochlear Implantation in Children Affected by Single-Sided Deafness: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Children with single-sided deafness (SSD) may experience delays in language and speech development. Reduced speech discrimination and poor sound localization abilities in young SSD patients may result in greater cognitive efforts required to focus and process auditory information, as well as increased listening-related fatigue. Consequently, these children can have a higher risk of academic failure and are often in need of extra help at school. Recently, cochlear implants (CIs) have been introduced as a rehabilitative option for these children, but their effectiveness is still a topic of debate. A literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, searching the Medline database from inception to October 2023. The research identified nine papers that met the inclusion criteria. Data extracted from the selected studies included 311 children affected by SSD and cochlear implants. The reported audiological outcomes were further analyzed. Overall, a high level of satisfaction was described by parents of children with SSD and CI, and those who received a CI under the age of 3 presented better results. However, a proportion of patients did not use the device daily. Our review highlights the possible, and still controversial, role of CI for the hearing rehabilitation of children with unilateral deafness, underlining the need for further research in this field. To date, careful and comprehensive counseling with the child and the family is necessary before considering this option.

Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: Etiology, Audiological Characteristics, and Treatment

“…Currently, published evidence and clinical experience confirm the crucial role of the timely diagnosis and treatment of UHL in improving linguistic, cognitive, socio-emotional, and communicative development [ 15 ]. Although the treatment of USNHL is still controversial, recent comprehensive reviews have suggested that, in selected cases, cochlear implantation for children with SSD can lead to significant improvements in overall hearing outcomes [ 18 , 19 ]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiological characteristics (degree of HL, affected side, audiometric configuration, and hearing outcomes), adherence to treatment (hearing aid or cochlear implant), causes of HL, and parents’ opinions on hearing device use in children aged 6 to 12 years with USNHL who attended our tertiary-level referral audiologic center.…”