A Nordic cohort study on cochlear implants and binaural hearing in single-sided deafness

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of cochlear implantation on speech recognition in noise, sound localization, QoL, and tinnitus in adults with SSD. MATERIAL AND

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Cohort-level outcomes data from a Nordic population support cochlear implantation as a treatment option for adult single-sided deafness, reinforcing existing evidence — audiologists should review specific outcome metrics once the full paper is available to refine candidacy counseling.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness remains an expanding indication, and real-world Nordic cohort data can strengthen evidence-based candidacy criteria and outcome expectations used in counseling.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Nordic cohort study examines cochlear implant (CI) outcomes specifically in adults with single-sided deafness (SSD).
02Outcomes measured include speech recognition in noise, sound localization, quality of life, and tinnitus suppression.
03SSD cochlear implantation is a relatively newer and still-growing clinical indication.
04Cohort design provides real-world effectiveness data beyond controlled trial settings.
05Published in Acta Oto-Laryngologica.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Cochlear implantation improves speech recognition in noise in adults with single-sided deafness.

studypartially supported

Cochlear implantation reduces tinnitus severity in adults with single-sided deafness.

studypartially supported

Cochlear implantation improves sound localization in adults with single-sided deafness.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42598984
DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2026.2704936.
Journal: Acta Oto-Laryngologica
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Adults with single-sided deafness who received cochlear implants, recruited across Nordic countries
Intervention: Cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness

Primary outcomes

Speech recognition in noise; Sound localization ability; Health-related quality of life; Tinnitus severity

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