R Jacob1, Y Stelzig, P Nopp, P Schleich. 1. Abt V HNO, Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus Koblenz, Rübenacher Str. 170, 56072, Koblenz, Deutschland. rolandjacob@bundeswehr.org
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Single-sided deafness has a strong impact on quality of life. Besides the difficulties in sound localization, patients also require increased effort to hear. The latter makes it difficult to follow conversations for an extended period, leading to social isolation. Cochlear implantation (CI) represents a possible treatment option for deafness in one ear. METHODS: In the present study, 13 patients with unilateral deafness where treated with CI. All patients were examined by pure tone audiometry and speech tests (Freiburger; HSM; OlSa), as well as sound localisations tests. The single-sided deaf situation is compared to CI-aided binaural hearing. RESULTS: At 100%, the acceptance rate was very high. The two different auditory inputs were well integrated. Patients reported satisfactory restoration of acoustic orientation and sound localization as well as great ease of listening in noisy surroundings. There was no negative impact on the normal hearing side. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results confirm the effectiveness of CI treatment in unilateral deafness.
INTRODUCTION: Single-sided deafness has a strong impact on quality of life. Besides the difficulties in sound localization, patients also require increased effort to hear. The latter makes it difficult to follow conversations for an extended period, leading to social isolation. Cochlear implantation (CI) represents a possible treatment option for deafness in one ear. METHODS: In the present study, 13 patients with unilateral deafness where treated with CI. All patients were examined by pure tone audiometry and speech tests (Freiburger; HSM; OlSa), as well as sound localisations tests. The single-sided deaf situation is compared to CI-aided binaural hearing. RESULTS: At 100%, the acceptance rate was very high. The two different auditory inputs were well integrated. Patients reported satisfactory restoration of acoustic orientation and sound localization as well as great ease of listening in noisy surroundings. There was no negative impact on the normal hearing side. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results confirm the effectiveness of CI treatment in unilateral deafness.
Authors: D Wesley Grantham; Todd A Ricketts; Daniel H Ashmead; Robert F Labadie; David S Haynes Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 3.325