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Abstract
IntroductionCochlear implants known to provide support in individuals with bilateral hearing loss may also be of great benefit for individuals with unilateral hearing loss. This case report demonstrates the positive effects of cochlear implantation on speech understanding in noise conditions in patients with unilateral hearing loss and normal hearing on the contralateral side. To the best of our knowledge, the data presented here are from the first few cases to receive a cochlear implant for unilateral hearing loss.Case presentationFour Caucasian German men, two aged 48 and the others aged 51 and 57 years old, with post-lingual unilateral hearing loss and normal hearing on the contralateral side were implanted with a cochlear implant. All our patients were members of the German army. Before and after implantation, they were given a battery of speech tests in different hearing conditions to assess the effect of unilateral cochlear implantation on speech understanding in noise conditions. Test results showed that all patients benefited from unilateral cochlear implantation, particularly in terms of speech understanding in noise conditions.ConclusionsUnilateral cochlear implantation might be a successful treatment method for patients with unilateral hearing loss not benefiting from alternative treatment options. The results of this case report open up the field of cochlear implantation for expanded criteria and new areas of research.
Highlights
Cochlear implants known to provide support in individuals with bilateral hearing loss may be of great benefit for individuals with unilateral hearing loss
Unilateral cochlear implantation might be a successful treatment method for patients with unilateral hearing loss not benefiting from alternative treatment options
The results of this case report open up the field of cochlear implantation for expanded criteria and new areas of research
Summary
Our patients showed a small but important benefit from unilateral cochlear implantation in speech recognition in noise conditions. The subjective benefits suggest a high degree of integration of the artificial auditory input through the CI. Restored sound localization and a regained spatial awareness were reported and might be of interest in future research. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patients for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Author details 1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Central Army Hospital Koblenz, Ruebenacher Str. 170, 56072 Koblenz, Germany. Authors’ contributions All authors contributed to the manuscript and reviewed, edited and approved the final report. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests
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