title: Cochlear implantation and single-sided deafness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recently, more patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) have been undergoing cochlear implantation. We review recent studies and case reports to provide an overview of the efficacy of cochlear implants to rehabilitate patients with SSD with regards to sound localization, speech discrimination, and tinnitus suppression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are a growing number of studies evaluating the effect of cochlear implantation for rehabilitation of the deficits associated with SSD over the past several years as more centers offer this treatment modality to patients with SSD. Although individual studies have few patients and are underpowered, the vast majority report improvement in sound localization, speech understanding in quiet and noise, and tinnitus. In some cases, the outcomes with cochlear implant appear superior to those achieved with other devices, including contralateral routing of sound devices and osseointegrated implants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although cochlear implant is not a Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for SSD, several recent studies show improvements in speech understanding, sound localization, and tinnitus. Because of the low number of cases, it is difficult to conclusively compare outcomes achieved with cochlear implants and those provided by other devices. However, on the basis of encouraging early results and the unique ability to restore binaural sound processing, a growing number of centers offer cochlear implants as treatment for SSD. Forthcoming studies will help define outcome expectations in different populations.
authors: aDepartments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery bNeurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
authors: Joshua
authors: J
authors: Tokita
authors: Camille
authors: C
authors: Dunn
authors: Marlan R
authors: MR
authors: Hansen
mesh_terms: D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D046088:Hearing Loss, Unilateral / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D016348:Osseointegration; D013017:Sound Localization; D013067:Speech Perception; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome