Localization, Hearing in Noise and Acceptance of CI in Children with SSD

Introduction:

While cochlear implantation in postlingually deafened adults is widely accepted, there is still little data concerning cochlear implantation in children with single-sided deafness.

Tavora-Vieira and Rajan presented longterm data of three children with congenital SSD, of which two were regular CI users.

Arndt et al. pointed out, that early implantation in children with congenital SSD might be even more crucial than in children with bilateral deafness. On the other hand, Thomas et al. showed in a study including 21 children with congenital SSD, that even children implanted at older ages appear to have some benefit from their cochlear implant. Our case series shall tribute to future adequate care for children with SSD.

Material and Methods:

8 children with SSd were implanted in our clinic between 2013 and 2017. 7 were male, 1 female. Average age at implantation was between 1 1/2 and 8 years. 6 children were congenitally deaf, 1 child due to meningitis at the age of 1 year, 1 lost hearing at the age of 3 due to LVA. 3 children.

Results:

Follow-up was available for all children but one. All children were all-day users. 2 out of three showed good results in localization tests. Pure tone average was 20 to 30 dB (n = 4). Speech understanding in noise (Göttinger) was 70 – 90% after one year. -5,3 dB and – 7,2dB were reached in OlKiSa (n = 2).

Conclusion:

All children were all-days-users and showed some benefit from the implant. Our results are in accordance with the literature and show the children with SSD can profit by cochlear implantation.