Evaluating the Long-Term Hearing Outcomes of Cochlear Implant Users With Single-Sided Deafness

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term outcomes of cochlear implantation in individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) in terms of speech perception, subjective hearing performance, and sound localization. METHODS: Thirty-four subjects with SSD were recruited across two large cochlear implant (CI) centers (Antwerp, Belgium and Perth, Australia). The long-term hearing outcomes (between 4 and 10 years of CI use) were evaluated using speech in noise tests, a subjective hearing performance questionnaire (Speech, Spatial and Qualities Questionnaire SSQ12), and sound localization tests. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were observed in speech perception in noise and sound localization results postoperatively with the use of a CI in comparison to preoperative measurements. Subjective hearing abilities also significantly improved after long-term CI use. CONCLUSION: Access to binaural hearing is important for subjects with SSD. CI users with SSD experience long-term benefits in speech understanding, sound localization, and quality of life.