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Cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness: the outcomes. An evidence-based approach

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Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to critically review the current evidence on the efficacy of cochlear implantation as a treatment modality for single-sided deafness (SSD), and/or unilateral tinnitus. Systematic literature review in Medline and other database sources was conducted along with critical analysis of pooled data. The study selection includes prospective and retrospective comparative studies, case series and case reports. The total number of analyzed studies was 17. A total of 108 patients with SSD have been implanted; 66 patients due to problems associated with SSD, and 42 primarily because of debilitating tinnitus. Cochlear implantation in SSD leads to improved sound localization performance and speech perception in noise from the ipsilateral side with an angle of coverage up to (but not including) 90° to the front, when noise is present in the contralateral quartile (Strength of recommendation B). Speech and spatial hearing also subjectively improve following the insertion of a cochlear implant (Strength of recommendation B); this was not the case regarding the quality of hearing. Tinnitus improvement was also reported following implant placement (Strength of recommendation B); however, patients need to be advised that the suppression is mainly successful when the implant is activated. The overall quality of the available evidence supports a wider use of cochlear implantation in SSD following appropriate selection and counseling (overall strength of recommendation B). It remains to be seen if the long-term follow-up of large number of patients in well conducted high quality studies will confirm the above mentioned results.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Ms. Maria-Teresa Bassi PhD for helping our research.

Conflict of interest

None declared. The authors have no financial interests, and have not received any financial support for this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ENT Department, MITERA Infirmary, 6 Erythrou Stavrou Str, Marousi-Athens, 15123, Greece

    Petros V. Vlastarakos

  2. ENT Department, Asklepeion Voulas General Hospital, Athens, Greece

    Kostas Nazos

  3. 2nd Pediatric Department, Penteli Children’s Hospital, Athens, Greece

    Evangelia-Filothei Tavoulari

  4. ENT Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece

    Thomas P. Nikolopoulos

  5. 58 Laskaridou Str, Kallithea-Athens, 17676, Greece

    Petros V. Vlastarakos

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  1. Petros V. Vlastarakos
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  2. Kostas Nazos
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  3. Evangelia-Filothei Tavoulari
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  4. Thomas P. Nikolopoulos
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Correspondence to Petros V. Vlastarakos.

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Vlastarakos, P.V., Nazos, K., Tavoulari, EF. et al. Cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness: the outcomes. An evidence-based approach. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 271, 2119–2126 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2746-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2746-z

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