Extending the Indications of Cochlear Implantation in Adults with Single-Sided Deafness. A Comprehensive Review

: Cochlear implantation is a well-established treatment for adults with bilateral postlingual deafness. In recent years, increasing research attention has focused on its use in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) with or without tinnitus. Restoration of binaural auditory input through cochlear implantation may partially reestablish binaural processing....

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Audiologists and surgeons evaluating adults with single-sided deafness should be aware that evidence supporting cochlear implant candidacy in this group is expanding; review findings can inform updated referral and counselling pathways.

Widening cochlear implant indications to include single-sided deafness represents a significant shift in candidacy criteria with direct implications for patient identification, counselling, and reimbursement advocacy.

1. 01Cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness (SSD) in adults is supported by a growing evidence base.
2. 02Review covers patient selection criteria, outcomes, and comparison with alternative devices (e.g., CROS aids, bone-anchored devices).
3. 03SSD patients may gain binaural hearing, improved speech-in-noise performance, and tinnitus relief with CI.
4. 04Expanding indications require updated candidacy protocols and counselling frameworks.
5. 05Published in Journal of Personalised Medicine, emphasising individualised treatment decisions.

PMID

42506081

DOI

10.3390/jpm16070354.

Journal

Journal of Personalised Medicine

Publication type

review

Evidence level

2a

Population

Adults with single-sided deafness (unilateral profound hearing loss with contralateral normal hearing)

Intervention

Cochlear implantation

Comparator

Alternative hearing rehabilitation options (CROS hearing aids, bone-anchored devices, observation)