title: Single-Sided Deafness: The Effect of Cochlear Implantation on Quality of Life, Quality of Hearing, and Working Performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of a cochlear implant (CI) on quality of life (QoL), quality of hearing (QoH), and working performance in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using specific questionnaires, we measured QoL, QoH, and working performance in 7 SSD patients scheduled for CI surgery of the affected ear. Sound localization and speech perception in noise were also assessed. All questionnaires and tests were performed before the CI surgery and at 6 and 12 months after CI activation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The QoL, QoH, sound localization, and speech perception in noise had improved statistically significantly after CI surgery. Communication with co-workers became easier, and the patients were less fatigued after the working day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CI clearly improves QoL, QoH, and working performance in patients with SSD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Kati
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Härkönen
authors.forename: Ilkka
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kivekäs
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rautiainen
authors.forename: Voitto
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kotti
authors.forename: Ville
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sivonen
authors.forename: Juha-Pekka
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Vasama
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology*; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013017:Sound Localization / Q000502:physiology*; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome