Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness: The Outcomes. An Evidence-Based Approach
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Vlastarakos, P. V., Nazos, K., et al. (2014).
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 271(8), 2119-2126.
This systematic review investigates the effect of cochlear implantation on speech comprehension in noise, sound localization, and/or unilateral tinnitus in postlingually deafened children and adults.
No funding received
Not stated
English- and German-langauge studies (not further specified)
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"With regard to the clinical effectiveness of cochlear implantation as a treatment option for unilateral tinnitus, marked improvement was reported in the vast majority of implanted patients (95%), with complete suppression occurring in 34% of cases for which sufficient data were available. However, one patient experienced temporary deterioration of tinnitus postoperatively, and another two deterioration of tinnitus when the implant was switched off, in comparison with the respective annoyance before placement of the implant" (Level II, III, and IV Evidence; p. 2124).
<p>Cochlear implants appear to improve hearing abilities in children or adults with unilateral, single-sided deafness:</p><ul> <li>Three studies "reported improved competence [with sound localization abilities] following the insertion of the cochlear implant" (Levels II, III, and IV Evidence, p. 2121).</li> <li>Five studies found "that the insertion of the cochlear implant leads to improved perception of speech from the deafened (n = 4) or front side (n = 3) (both angles were tested in one study), when noise is coming either from the front (n = 1), or from the normally hearing ear (n = 5)" (Level II, III and IV Evidence; p. 2121). "The remaining study ... found neither improved nor impaired perception of speech from the deafened side when noise was coming from the front" (Level III Evidence; p. 2121).</li> <li>One study "found neither improved nor impaired perception of speech from the deafened side when noise was coming from the front" ( Level III Evidence; p. 2121).</li></ul>
