Cochlear Implant Outcomes in Older Adults With Single-sided Deafness and Asymmetric Hearing Loss

To evaluate cochlear implant (CI) outcomes of individuals 65 or older, with single-sided deafness (SSD) or asymmetric hearing loss (AHL).

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Retrospective data on CI outcomes in older adults with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss; clinicians should monitor the full publication for outcome details before changing candidacy counselling, but results may support broadening CI referral conversations with this age group.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

As the population ages, understanding cochlear implant benefit in older adults with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss is critical for expanding evidence-based candidacy criteria.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Retrospective design reviewing CI outcomes specifically in adults 65 and older.
02Population includes both single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL).
03Published ahead of print in Otolaryngology–Neurotology (2026).
04Findings could inform age-related CI candidacy guidelines.
05Evidence level is limited by retrospective, uncontrolled methodology.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Cochlear implants produce measurable outcomes in adults aged 65+ with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42132467
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004942.
Journal: Otology & Neurotology
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 4
Population: Adults aged 65 and older with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss
Intervention: Cochlear implantation

Primary outcomes

Cochlear implant outcomes in older adults with SSD or AHL

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