Early outcomes after cochlear implantation for adults and children with unilateral hearing loss

Auditory Outcomes Following Cochlear Implantation in Children with Unilateral Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVE

Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in children is associated with speech and language delays. Cochlear implantation (CI) is currently the only rehabilitative option that restores binaural hearing. This study aims to describe auditory outcomes in children who underwent CI for UHL and to determine the association between duration of hearing loss and auditory outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Three tertiary-level, academic institutions.

PATIENTS

Children <18 years with UHL who underwent CI between 2018 and 2021.

INTERVENTION

Cochlear implantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Speech perception and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) were assessed postimplantation. Scores >50% on speech perception and SSQ scores >8 points were considered satisfactory. Associations between duration of UHL and implantation age and outcomes were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

Of the 38 children included, mean age at CI was 7.9 ± 3.2 years and mean UHL duration was 5.0 ± 2.8 years. Mean datalogging was 8.1 ± 3.1 hours/day. Mean auditory testing scores were SSQ, 7.9 ± 1.2; BABY BIO, 68.1 ± 30.2%; CNC, 38.4 ± 28.4%; WIPI, 52.5 ± 23.1%. Scores >50% on CNC testing were achieved by 40% of patients. SSQ scores >8 points were reported by 78% (7/9) of patients. There were no significant correlations between UHL duration and auditory outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Overall, children with UHL who undergo CI can achieve satisfactory speech perception scores and SSQ scores. There were no associations between duration of hearing loss and age at implantation with auditory outcomes. Multiple variables may impact auditory outcomes, including motivation, family support, access to technology, and consistent isolated auditory training postactivation and should be taken into consideration in addition to age at implantation and duration of UHL in determination of CI candidacy.

Benefits of unilateral cochlear implantation in adults with asymmetric hearing loss: Audiologic and patient-related outcome measures

PURPOSE

To investigate the benefits of cochlear implantation in adults with single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective within-subjects repeated-measures.

SETTING

Two tertiary cochlear implant centers.

PATIENTS

Fourteen adults with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in the worse hearing ear and up to moderate SNHL in the better hearing ear.

INTERVENTION

Cochlear implantation in the worse hearing ear.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) test, AzBio sentence test in noise, and lateralization testing were conducted preoperatively and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-activation. Patient-related outcomes were measured using the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale and Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was administered to subjects with tinnitus.

RESULTS

Mean length of hearing loss in the worse hearing ear was 3.5 years. The mean CNC change scores from baseline were 54.8, 55.9, and 58.9 percentage points at 3-, 6-, and 12-months (p < 0.001). AzBio sentence test in noise demonstrated improved scores in all spatial configurations, although statistically significant in S0N0 (speech front, noise front) only. Lateralization testing showed significant improvement of 22.9, 24.5, and 24.0 percentage points at 3-, 6-, and 12 months post-activation (p = 0.002). All patient-related outcome measures revealed significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates improved speech perception in noise, sound lateralization, quality of life, and reduction in tinnitus perception in adults with SSD/AHL who undergo cochlear implantation. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that cochlear implant should be offered to this population.

Influence of listening environment on usage patterns in cochlear implant patients with single-sided deafness

OBJECTIVE

To compare cochlear implant (CI) data logging of patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (biSNHL) in various acoustic environments and study the implications of data logging on auditory performance.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case control study.

METHODS

Adult CI patients with SSD or biSNHL from 2010 to 2021 with usage data collected at 3-, 6-, and 12-months following device activation were identified. The CI listening environment was defined as speech in noise, speech in quiet, quiet, music or noise. Auditory performance was measured using the CNC word, AzBio sentence tests and the Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI).

RESULTS

60 adults with SSD or biSNHL were included. CI patients with biSNHL wore their devices more than those with SSD at 3-months post-activation (11.18 versus 8.97 hours/day, p = 0.04), though there were no significant differences at 6-12 months. Device usage was highest in the speech in quiet environment. In SSD CI users, there was a positive correlation (p = 0.03) between device use and CNC scores at 12-months and an improvement in THI scores at 12-months (p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

CI users with SSD and biSNHL have comparable duration of device usage at longer follow-up periods with greatest device usage recorded in speech in quiet environments.

Postoperative optimization of cochlear implantation for single sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of methods for improving postoperative cochlear implant (CI) hearing performance in subjects with single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL).

DATA SOURCES

Embase, PubMed, Scopus.

REVIEW METHODS

Systematic review and narrative synthesis. English language studies of adult CI recipients with SSD and AHL reporting a postoperative intervention and comparative audiometric data pertaining to speech in noise, speech in quiet and sound localization were included.

RESULTS

32 studies met criteria for full text review and 6 (n = 81) met final inclusion criteria. Interventions were categorized as: formal auditory training, programming techniques, or hardware optimization. Formal auditory training (n = 10) found no objective improvement in hearing outcomes. Experimental CI maps did not improve audiologic outcomes (n = 9). Programed CI signal delays to improve synchronization demonstrated improved sound localization (n = 12). Hardware optimization, including multidirectional (n = 29) and remote (n = 11) microphones, improved sound localization and speech in noise, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Few studies meeting inclusion criteria and small sample sizes highlight the need for further study. Formal auditory training did not appear to improve hearing outcomes. Programming techniques, such as CI signal delay, and hardware optimization, such as multidirectional and remote microphones, show promise to improve outcomes for SSD and AHL CI users.

Cochlear implantation in unilateral hearing loss: impact of short- to medium-term auditory deprivation

Introduction

Single sided deafness (SSD) results in profound cortical reorganization that presents clinically with a significant impact on sound localization and speech comprehension. Cochlear implantation (CI) has been approved for two manufacturers' devices in the United States to restore bilateral function in SSD patients with up to 10 years of auditory deprivation. However, there is great variability in auditory performance and it remains unclear how auditory deprivation affects CI benefits within this 10-year window. This prospective study explores how measured auditory performance relates to real-world experience and device use in a cohort of SSD-CI subjects who have between 0 and 10 years of auditory deprivation.

Methods

Subjects were assessed before implantation and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-CI activation via Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word recognition and Arizona Biomedical Institute (AzBio) sentence recognition in varying spatial speech and noise presentations that simulate head shadow, squelch, and summation effects (S0N0, SSSDNNH, SNHNSSD; 0 = front, SSD = impacted ear, NH = normal hearing ear). Patient-centered assessments were performed using Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (SHQ), and Health Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI3). Device use data was acquired from manufacturer software. Further subgroup analysis was performed on data stratified by <5 years and 5-10 years duration of deafness.

Results

In the SSD ear, median (IQR) CNC word scores pre-implant and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-implant were 0% (0-0%), 24% (8-44%), 28% (4-44%), and 18% (7-33%), respectively. At 6 months post-activation, AzBio scores in S0N0 and SSSDNNH configurations (n = 25) demonstrated statistically significant increases in performance by 5% (p = 0.03) and 20% (p = 0.005), respectively. The median HUI3 score was 0.56 pre-implant, lower than scores for common conditions such as anxiety (0.68) and diabetes (0.77), and comparable to stroke (0.58). Scores improved to 0.83 (0.71-0.91) by 3  months post-activation. These audiologic and subjective benefits were observed even in patients with longer durations of deafness.

Discussion

By merging CI-associated changes in objective and patient-centered measures of auditory function, our findings implicate central mechanisms of auditory compensation and adaptation critical in auditory performance after SSD-CI and quantify the extent to which they affect the real-world experience reported by individuals.

Audiometric and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Single-Sided Deafness Cochlear Implant Recipients Using the CIQOL-35

OBJECTIVE

Describe the effect that cochlear implantation (CI) has on audiometric outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary university hospital system.

METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative AzBio performance and Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-35 (CIQOL-35) Profile scores in CI patients with SSD were compared, and postoperative measures were compared to those from CI patients without SSD.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients with unilateral CI and contralateral unaided pure-tone averages ≤30 dB were included. The median age was 60.2 (interquartile range [IQR], 50.9-64.9 years), and 7/17 (41%) were women. Median daily use was 8.2 hour (IQR, 5.4-11.9 h). The median preoperative AzBio quiet score in the ear to be implanted was 3% (IQR, 0%-6%). After a median follow-up of 12.0 months, the median postoperative AzBio quiet score was 76% (IQR, 47%-86%) (p < .01). SSD subjects demonstrated statistically significant improvements in median scores on the following CIQOL-35 subdomains following implantation: Entertainment (17 preoperatively vs 21 postoperatively), Listening Effort (12 vs 14), Social (17 vs 22), and Global (28 vs 35; p < .05). SSD patients achieved equal or higher postoperative CIQOL-35 scores in most subdomains (6/7) compared to an age-matched group of non-SSD CI recipients who underwent unilaterally (N = 19) or sequential (N = 6) implantation.

CONCLUSION

SSD CI patients not only demonstrate significant improvements in speech perception testing in the implanted ear but also exhibit improvement in multiple QOL subdomains on the CIQOL-35, the only validated cochlear implant QOL instrument.

Effect of Hearing Device Use on Speech-in-Noise Performance in Children with Severe-to-Profound Unilateral Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVES

Limited evidence exists for the use of rerouting devices in children with severe-to-profound unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Many laboratory studies to date have evaluated hearing-in-noise performance in specific target-masker spatial configurations within a small group of participants and with only a subset of available hearing devices. In the present study, the efficacy of all major types of nonsurgical devices was evaluated within a larger group of pediatric subjects on a challenging speech-in-noise recognition task.

DESIGN

Children (7-18 years) with unaided severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss (UHL' n = 36) or bilateral normal hearing (NH, n = 36) participated in the present study. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for 50% speech understanding (SNR-50) was measured using BKB sentences in the presence of proprietary restaurant noise (R-SPACE BSIN-R) in the R-SPACE Sound System. Subjects listened under 2 target/masker spatial configurations. The target signal was directed toward subjects' NH or hearing-impaired ear (45º azimuth), while the interfering restaurant noise masker was presented from the remaining 7 loudspeakers encircling the subject, spaced every 45º. Head position was fixed during testing. The presentation level of target sentences and masking noise varied over time to estimate the SNR-50 (dB). The following devices were tested in all participants with severe-to-profound UHL: air conduction (AC) contralateral routing of signal (CROS), bone conduction (BC) CROS fitted on a headband with and without the use of remote microphone (RM), and an ear-level RM hearing assistance technology (HAT) system.

RESULTS

As a group, participants with severe-to-profound UHL performed best when the target signal was directed toward their NH ear. Across listening conditions, there was an average 8.5 dB improvement in SNR-50 by simply orienting the NH ear toward the target signal. When unaided, participants with severe-to-profound UHL performed as well as participants with NH when the target signal was directed toward the NH ear. Performance was negatively affected by AC CROS when the target signal was directed toward the NH ear, whereas no statistically significant change in performance was observed when using BC CROS. When the target signal was directed toward participants' hearing-impaired ear, all tested devices improved SNR-50 compared with the unaided condition, with small improvements (1-2 dB) observed with CROS devices and the largest improvement (9 dB) gained with the personal ear-level RM HAT system. No added benefit nor decrement was observed when RM was added to BC CROS using a 50/50 mixing ratio when the target was directed toward the impaired ear.

CONCLUSIONS

In a challenging listening environment with diffuse restaurant noise, SNR-50 was most improved in the study sample when using a personal ear-level RM HAT system. Although tested rerouting devices offered measurable improvement in performance (1-2 dB in SNR-50) when the target was directed to the impaired ear, benefit may be offset by a detriment in performance in the opposing condition. Findings continue to support use of RM HAT for children with severe-to-profound UHL in adverse listening environments, when there is one primary talker of interest, to ensure advantageous SNRs.

Further Evidence for Individual Ear Consideration in Cochlear Implant Candidacy Evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To report speech outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI) for asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) and assess the influence of contralateral hearing.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

One hundred eighty-eight adults (mean age, 70 yr) undergoing CI for AHL from 2015 to 2020. Candidacy included pure-tone average (PTA) at least 70 dB hearing level and AzBio in quiet 60% or less in the implanted ear and AzBio in quiet greater than 40% in the contralateral ear.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

PTA; Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word, AzBio sentences scores; Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ).

RESULTS

Mean preoperative PTA and AzBio in the implanted and contralateral ears were 85.2 and 68.1 dB hearing level and 24.7% and 69.2%, respectively. Mean CNC in the implanted ear increased from 18.3% preoperatively to 44.4% ( p < 0.0001) at 6 months and 49.3% ( p < 0.0001) at 12 months. Mean AzBio in the implanted ear improved from 24.7% preoperatively to 60.3% ( p < 0.0001) at 6 months and 64.3% ( p < 0.0001) at 12 months. Patients demonstrated significant improvement in all SSQ domains at 6 and 12 months. When comparing patients with preoperative contralateral AzBio greater than 60% versus 41% to 60%, no significant differences existed in postoperative CNC scores (6-mo: 47% versus 41%, p = 0.276; 12-mo: 51% versus 47%, p = 0.543). There were no significant differences in 6-month ( p = 0.936) or 12-month ( p = 0.792) CNC scores between patients with AHL (contralateral ear AzBio >40%) and 169 unilateral CI patients meeting the traditional Medicare criteria (contralateral ear AzBio ≤40%).

CONCLUSION

CI recipients with AHL derive significant speech improvements, supporting individual ear consideration for CI candidacy and patient benefit outside of current Medicare criteria.

American Cochlear Implant Alliance Task Force Guidelines for Clinical Assessment and Management of Adult Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness

The indications for cochlear implantation have expanded to include individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss in the impaired ear and normal hearing (NH) in the contralateral ear, known as single-sided deafness (SSD). There are additional considerations for the clinical assessment and management of adult cochlear implant candidates and recipients with SSD as compared to conventional cochlear implant candidates with bilateral moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The present report reviews the current evidence relevant to the assessment and management of adults with SSD. A systematic review was also conducted on published studies that investigated outcomes of cochlear implant use on measures of speech recognition in quiet and noise, sound source localization, tinnitus perception, and quality of life for this patient population. Expert consensus and systematic review of the current literature were combined to provide guidance for the clinical assessment and management of adults with SSD.

Speech perception abilities of adult cochlear implant listeners with single-sided deafness vs. bilateral hearing loss

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the speech perception abilities in adult cochlear implant recipients implanted for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (BSNHL) with those implanted for single-sided deafness (SSD).

DESIGN

A total of 12 adults with BSNHL and 12 adults with SSD participated. Each participant completed a battery of speech perception measures including monosyllabic words, sentences, and consonant recognition.

RESULTS

Cochlear implant users with BSNHL performed higher on word and sentence recognition. Consonant recognition scores showed higher performance for CI listeners with BSNHL for voicing and manner, but not for place or articulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study suggest that adults with SSD may have lower speech perception abilities with their cochlear implant when compared to adults implanted for BSNHL.

American Cochlear Implant Alliance Task Force Guidelines for Determining Cochlear Implant Candidacy in Children

This article summarizes the available evidence on pediatric cochlear implantation to provide current guidelines for clinical protocols and candidacy recommendations in the United States. Candidacy determination involves specification of audiologic and medical criteria per guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration. However, recommendations for a cochlear implant evaluation also should maintain flexibility and consider a child’s skill progression (i.e., month-for-month progress in speech, language, and auditory development) and quality of life with appropriately fit hearing aids. Moreover, evidence supports medical and clinical decisions based on other factors, including (a) ear-specific performance, which affords inclusion of children with asymmetric hearing loss and single-sided deafness as implant candidates; (b) ear-specific residual hearing, which influences surgical technique and device selection to optimize hearing; and (c) early intervention to minimize negative long-term effects on communication and quality of life related to delayed identification of implant candidacy, later age at implantation, and/or limited commitment to an audiologic rehabilitation program. These evidence-based guidelines for current clinical protocols in determining pediatric cochlear implant candidacy encourage a team-based approach focused on the whole child and the family system.

Speech Perception Performance Growth and Benchmark Score Achievement After Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness

OBJECTIVES

Compare speech perception performance growth and benchmark score achievement among adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients with single-sided deafness (SSD) versus bilateral moderate to profound hearing loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective matched cohort analysis.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Adults with SSD or bilateral moderate to profound hearing sensorineural hearing loss who underwent cochlear implantation from 2014 to 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Cochlear implantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Time-to-benchmark speech perception score (CNC, AzBio in quiet) and speech performance within first postoperative year.

RESULTS

Thirty-three SSD patients were matched to 66 bilateral hearing loss patients (referent cohort) for duration of deafness and preoperative ipsilateral CNC scores. Although SSD patients were more likely to achieve benchmark CNC scores more quickly compared with matched referents, this difference did not reach statistical significance (HR 1.72; 95% CI 0.78-3.82; p = 0.18). AzBio scores showed similar trends (HR 1.40; 95% CI 0.66-2.98; p = 0.38). At last follow-up, the SSD cohort had lower CNC (median 54% vs. 62%; p = 0.019) and AzBio scores (median 72% vs. 84%; p = 0.029) compared to the referent cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in speech perception performance growth (i.e., time-to-benchmark speech perception score) was identified between SSD and bilateral hearing loss CI recipients, although patients with bilateral hearing loss achieved higher scores in the implanted ear within the first year of follow-up.

Impact of Duration of Deafness on Speech Perception in Single-Sided Deafness Cochlear Implantation in Adults

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of prolonged auditory deprivation on speech perception outcomes in adult acquired single-sided deafness (SSD) cochlear implant (CI) recipients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic center.

PATIENTS

Acquired SSD in adults with and without prolonged duration of deafness (defined as >10 yr) who underwent CI between 2014 and 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

CI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) and AzBio in quiet scores within first year of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 35 adult patients with SSD were evaluated, with a median overall duration of deafness of 2.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.2-6.0 yr): seven patients with prolonged auditory deprivation (median 18 yr, IQR 15-28) were compared with 28 SSD patients with duration of deafness less than 10 years (median 1.7 yr, IQR 1.1-3.2). At last follow-up, the median CNC scores were 39% (IQR 31-64) and 54% (IQR 46-64) for the prolonged and shorter duration of deafness cohorts, respectively (p = 0.3). The median AzBio scores were 66% (IQR 65-68) and 72% (IQR 60-82) for the prolonged and shorter duration of deafness cohorts, respectively (p = 0.6). In a separate analysis evaluating duration of deafness as a continuous variable across all 35 patients, Spearman correlation coefficients for associations of duration of deafness with most recent CNC and AzBio scores were -0.02 (p = 0.9) and 0.02 (p = 0.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult CI recipients with acquired SSD, with and without prolonged auditory deprivation, demonstrated comparable speech perception scores. Prolonged duration of deafness alone should not preclude a motivated SSD patient from undergoing cochlear implantation.

Quality of life of children treated for unilateral hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the treatments' consequences for unilateral hearing loss in children.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42018109417). The MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ISRCTN and ClinicalTrials databases were searched between September 2018 and May 2019. Articles were screened and data were collected independently by two authors following the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the National Institute of Health, USA tool and considering the risk of confounding. In the studies with the lowest risk of bias, a meta-analysis was conducted.

INTERVENTIONS

Validated hearing rehabilitation devices.

PATIENTS

6-15 years old children with moderate to profound unilateral hearing loss.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary study outcome was children's quality of life. Academic performances were studied as an additional outcome.

RESULTS

731 unique articles were identified from the primary search. Of these, 18 articles met the Population, Intervention, Control, Outcomes and Study design selection criteria. In the eight studies with the lowest risk of bias, two meta-analysis were conducted. There was not enough data on academic results to conduct a meta-analysis. In 73 children included in a fixed effect meta-analysis (two studies), no effect of treatment could be shown (g=-0.20, p=0.39). In 61 children included in a random-effect meta-analysis (six studies), a strong positive effect of hearing treatment on quality of life was demonstrated (g=1.32, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of unilateral hearing loss seems to improve children's quality of life. Further research is needed to identify the most effective treatment and its corresponding indications.

Rehabilitation for unilateral deafness - Narrative review comparing a novel bone conduction solution with existing options

Patients with single sided deafness (SSD) struggle with sound localization and speech in noise. Existing treatment options include contralateral routing of signal (CROS) systems, percutaneous bone conduction hearing devices (BCHDs), passive transcutaneous BCHDs, active BCHDs, and cochlear implants. Implanted devices provide benefits in speech in noise compared to CROS devices. Percutaneous BCHDs transmit sound efficiently but have aesthetic drawbacks and skin complications. Scalp attenuation impacts passive transcutaneous BCHD performance. Active BCHDs overcome these issues and provide benefits for speech in noise. Cochlear implantation is the only existing option that restores binaural input but introduces electrical rather than acoustic stimuli to the deaf ear. Active BCHDs have been designed to maintain efficient sound transmission and avoid chronic skin irritation and cosmetic concerns that may occur with percutaneous BCHDs. Cochlear implantation may be a superior option for recently deafened SSD patients, though this requires further study. The duration of deafness, patient age and comorbidities, and a shared decision-making model among patients, surgeons, and audiologists should be considered in device selection. The aim of this manuscript is to review available devices, discuss surgical considerations for implantable devices, review available published results for speech in noise and sound quality with each device, and provide an overview to guide shared decision making for patients and providers. This review consolidates available literature and reviews experience with a newer active transcutaneous active BCHD available for use in the SSD population.

Cochlear Implant Use Remains Consistent Over Time in Children With Single-Sided Deafness

OBJECTIVES

To measure the acceptance of a cochlear implant by children with single-sided deafness (SSD) using datalogging technology in the cochlear implant processor.

DESIGN

Datalogs from follow-up clinical audiology appointments for 23 children with SSD were extracted from their cochlear implant processors ranging from 1 to 8 visits (M = 3.74, SD = 1.79). The number of hours the cochlear implant was in use per day, the number of times the coil disconnected from the internal device, and the percentage of daily cochlear implant use in different auditory environments were collected from the datalogs. Linear mixed-effects regressions were used to analyze the relationship between age, hearing experience, cochlear implant use, and coil-offs per day. Nonlinear regressions were conducted to evaluate cochlear implant use in different environments.

RESULTS

Children with SSD wore their cochlear implants for 6.22 (SD = 2.81; range = 0.0004 to 14.74) hours per day on average. No significant change in cochlear implant use was seen as the children grew older or gained more hearing experience. As hearing experience increased, the number of coil-offs per day was reduced. Preschoolers spent more time in "music" and "speech" and less time in "noise" and "quiet" than older and younger children while older children spent more time in "speech-in-noise."

CONCLUSIONS

Children with SSD consistently wear their cochlear implants. However, the auditory environments to which they are exposed vary over time. Regular cochlear implant use by this population suggests that it does not detract from a normal-hearing ear and that children with SSD appreciate access to bilateral input.

Cochlear Implantation in Adults With Single-sided Deafness: Outcomes and Device Use

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with adults undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) for treatment of single-sided deafness (SSD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Fifty-three adults with SSD.

INTERVENTIONS

Unilateral CI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Speech perception testing in quiet and noise, tinnitus suppression, and device usage from datalogs.

RESULTS

The mean age at CI was 53.2 years (SD 11.9). The mean duration of deafness was 4.0 years (SD 7.8). The most common etiology was idiopathic sudden SNHL (50%). Word recognition improved from 8.7% (SD 15) preoperatively to 61.8% (SD 20) at a mean follow-up of 3.3 years (SD 1.8) (p < 0.0001). Adaptive speech recognition testing in the "binaural with CI" condition (speech directed toward the front and noise toward the normal hearing ear) revealed a significant improvement by 2.6-dB SNR compared to the preoperative unaided condition (p = 0.0002) and by 3.6-dB SNR compared to when a device to route sound to the contralateral side was used (p < 0.0001). Tinnitus suppression was reported to be complete in 23 patients (43%) and improved in 20 patients (38%) while the device was on. The addition of the CI did not lead to a decrement in hearing performance in any spatial configuration. Device usage averaged 8.7 (SD 3.7) hours/day.

CONCLUSIONS

Cochlear implantation in adult SSD patients can suppress tinnitus and achieve speech perception outcomes comparable with CI in conventional candidates. Modest improvements in spatial hearing were also observed and primarily attributable to the head shadow effect. Careful patient selection and counseling regarding potential benefits are important to optimize outcomes.

Factors Associated With Unilateral Hearing Loss and Impact on Communication in US Adults

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors associated with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and its impact on communication in US adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Nationally representative sample of US adults.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, in which participants aged 20 to 69 years completed an audiometric evaluation (n = 8138). UHL was defined as a speech frequency pure-tone average ≥25 dB in the worse hearing ear and <25 dB in the better hearing ear. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between UHL and relevant factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of UHL was 8.1% (95% CI, 7.3%-9.0%) in US adults. Factors associated with UHL included older age, male sex, white race, lower level of education, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and off-work noise exposure. Among adults with UHL, 40% (95% CI, 32%-48%) reported subjective trouble with hearing, a rate higher than the 12% (95% CI, 11%-14%) among normal-hearing adults. After adjusting for relevant factors, adults with UHL were more likely to report difficulties with following conversations with noise (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5) and frustration when talking to family and friends (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9-4.6). Higher levels of communication difficulties were observed with worsening level of UHL.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with UHL report significant communication difficulties in comparison to normal-hearing adults. Further research is needed to understand the psychosocial impact of UHL on adults and ways to improve communication support for adults with UHL.

Systematic review of outcome domains and instruments used in designs of clinical trials for interventions that seek to restore bilateral and binaural hearing in adults with unilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss ('single-sided deafness')

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aimed to identify, compare and contrast outcome domains and outcome instruments reported in studies investigating interventions that seek to restore bilateral (two-sided) and/or binaural (both ears) hearing in adults with single-sided deafness (SSD). Findings can inform the development of evidence-based guidance to facilitate design decisions for confirmatory trials.

METHODS

Records were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN, CENTRAL, WHO ICTRP and the NIHR UK clinical trials gateway. The search included records published from 1946 to March 2020. Included studies were those as follows: (a) recruiting adults aged 18 years or older diagnosed with SSD of average threshold severity worse than 70 dB HL in the worse-hearing ear and normal (or near-normal) hearing in the better-hearing ear, (b) evaluating interventions to restore bilateral and/or binaural hearing and (c) enrolling those adults in a controlled trial, before-and-after study or cross-over study. Studies that fell just short of the participant eligibility criteria were included in a separate sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-six studies were included (72 full inclusion, 24 sensitivity analysis). For fully included studies, 37 exclusively evaluated interventions to re-establish bilateral hearing and 29 exclusively evaluated interventions to restore binaural hearing. Overall, 520 outcome domains were identified (350 primary and 170 secondary). Speech-related outcome domains were the most common (74% of studies), followed by spatial-related domains (60% of studies). A total of 344 unique outcome instruments were reported. Speech-related outcome domains were measured by 73 different instruments and spatial-related domains by 43 different instruments. There was considerable variability in duration of follow-up, ranging from acute (baseline) testing to 10 years after the intervention. The sensitivity analysis identified no additional outcome domains.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified large variability in the reporting of outcome domains and instruments in studies evaluating the therapeutic benefits and harms of SSD interventions. Reports frequently omitted information on what domains the study intended to assess, and on what instruments were used to measure which domains.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The systematic review protocol is registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews): Registration Number CRD42018084274 . Registered on 13 March 2018, last revised on 7th of May 2019.

Cochlear Implantation

BACKGROUND

Hearing impairment that is too severe to be adequately treated with conventional hearing aids can lead, in children, to severe developmental disturbances of hearing and language, and, in adults, to communicative and social deprivation. Recent advances in medical device technology and in microsurgical techniques have led to an expansion of the indications for cochlear implantation (CI) for adults with progressive hearing loss in older age, and to a restructuring of the process of care for these patients in Germany.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, as well as on the CI guidelines and CI "white book" of the German Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

RESULTS

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the successful auditory rehabilitation of high-grade hearing impairment. In children, a key role is played by newborn auditory screening, which is mandatory in Germany and enables the provision of a CI in the first year of life when necessary. 86% of the children receiving a CI achieve linguistic comprehension of fluently spoken sentences. For adults, positive prognostic factors for hearing after the provision of a CI include a highly motivated patient, "postlingual" onset of the hearing impairment (i.e., after the acquisition of language), and a brief duration of deafness. Auditory rehabilitation is associated with significant improvement, not just of hearing and of the comprehension of spoken language, but also of quality of life, particularly in elderly patients. For patients of any age with bilateral hearing loss, CIs should be provided on both sides, if possible. The more common complications of the procedure, with a probability of 2-4% each, are technical implant defects, dizziness, and wound-healing disturbances.

CONCLUSION

Cochlear implantation, performed in specialized centers, is a safe and reliable technique and regularly enables the successful rehabilitation of hearing in both children and adults.

Estimating Real-World Performance of Percutaneously Coupled Bone-Conduction Device Users With Severe-to-Profound Unilateral Hearing Loss

Purpose The bone-conduction device attached to a percutaneous screw (BCD) is an important treatment option for individuals with severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss (UHL). Clinicians may use subjective questionnaires and speech-in-noise measures to evaluate BCD use in this patient population; however, the translation of these metrics to real-world aided performance is unclear. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to measure speech-in-noise performance in BCD users with severe-to-profound UHL in a simulated real-world environment, relative to individuals with normal hearing bilaterally; second, to determine if BCD users' subjective reports of aided performance relate to simulated real-world performance. Method A between-subjects design with two groups was conducted with 14 adults with severe-to-profound UHL (BCD group) and 10 age-matched participants with normal hearing bilaterally (control group). Speech-in-noise tests were administered in an eight-speaker R-Space simulating a real-world environment. To further explore speech-in-noise evaluation methods for this population, testing was also completed in a clinically common two-speaker array. The effects of various microphone settings on performance were explored for BCD users. Subjective performance was measured with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB; Cox & Alexander, 1995) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (Gatehouse & Noble, 2004). Statistical analyses to explore relationships between variables included repeated-measures analysis of variance, regression analyses, independent-samples t tests, nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests, and correlations. Results In the simulated real-world environment, BCD group participants struggled with speech-in-noise understanding compared to control group participants. BCD benefit was observed for all microphone settings when speech stimuli were presented to the side with the BCD. When adaptive directional or fixed directional microphone settings were used, a relationship was noted between simulated real-world speech-in-noise performance for speech stimuli presented to the side with the BCD and subjective reports on the Background Noise subscale of the APHAB. Conclusions The Background Noise subscale of the APHAB may help estimate real-world speech-in-noise performance for BCD users with severe-to-profound UHL for signals of interest presented to the implanted side, specifically when adaptive or fixed directional microphone settings are used. This subscale may provide an efficient and accessible alternative to assessing real-world speech-in-noise performance in lieu of less clinically available measurement tools, such as an R-Space.

Mechanisms of Localization and Speech Perception with Colocated and Spatially Separated Noise and Speech Maskers Under Single-Sided Deafness with a Cochlear Implant

OBJECTIVES

This study tested listeners with a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and acoustic hearing in the other ear, to assess their ability to localize sound and to understand speech in collocated or spatially separated noise or speech maskers.

DESIGN

Eight CI listeners with contralateral acoustic hearing ranging from normal hearing to moderate sensorineural hearing loss were tested. Localization accuracy was measured in five of the listeners using stimuli that emphasized the separate contributions of interaural level differences (ILDs) and interaural time differences (ITD) in the temporal envelope and/or fine structure. Sentence recognition was tested in all eight CI listeners, using collocated and spatially separated speech-shaped Gaussian noise and two-talker babble. Performance was compared with that of age-matched normal-hearing listeners via loudspeakers or via headphones with vocoder simulations of CI processing.

RESULTS

Localization improved with the CI but only when high-frequency ILDs were available. Listeners experienced no additional benefit via ITDs in the stimulus envelope or fine structure using real or vocoder-simulated CIs. Speech recognition in two-talker babble improved with a CI in seven of the eight listeners when the target was located at the front and the babble was presented on the side of the acoustic-hearing ear, but otherwise showed little or no benefit of a CI.

CONCLUSION

Sound localization can be improved with a CI in cases of significant residual hearing in the contralateral ear, but only for sounds with high-frequency content, and only based on ILDs. In speech understanding, the CI contributed most when it was in the ear with the better signal to noise ratio with a speech masker.

Long-term audiologic outcomes after cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term audiometric outcomes, sound localization abilities, binaural benefits, and tinnitus assessment of subjects with cochlear implant (CI) after a diagnosis of unilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss.

METHOD

The study group consisted of 60 (mean age 52 years, range 19-84) subjects with profound hearing loss in one ear and normal to near-normal hearing in the other ear who underwent CI. Data analysis included pre- and postoperative Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) Word scores, AzBio Sentence scores, pure tone thresholds, sound localization, and Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire scores.

RESULTS

Preoperative average duration of deafness was 3.69 years (standard deviation 4.31), with an average follow-up time of 37.9 months (range 1-87). CNC and AzBio scores significantly improved (both P < 0.001) postoperatively among the entire cohort, and there was much heterogeneity in outcomes with respect to deafness etiology subgroup analysis. Sound localization abilities tended to improve longitudinally in the entire cohort. Binaural benefits using an adaptive Hearing in Noise Test test showed a significant (P < 0.001) improvement with head shadow effect. Utilizing the Iowa Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, there was significant improvement in social, physical, and emotional well-being (P = 0.011), along with hearing abilities (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This case series is the largest cohort of CI SSD subjects to date and systematically analyzes their functional outcomes. Subjects have meaningful improvement in word understanding, and sound localization tends to gradually improve over time. Binaural benefit analysis showed significant improvement with head shadow effect, which likely provides ease of listening.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1805-1811, 2020.

Reflections on the Last 25 Years of the American Otological Society and Thoughts on its Future

PURPOSE

To review contributions of the American Otological Society (AOS) over the most recent quarter century (1993-2018) and to comment on possible future evolution of the field during the quarter century to come.

METHODS

Retrospective review of selected topics from the AOS transactions, distinguished lectureships over the past 25 years, and selective reflection by the authors. Speculation on potential advances of the next quarter century derived from emerging topics in the current literature and foreseeable trends in science and technology are also proffered for consideration (and possible future ridicule).

RESULTS

Integration of multiple disciplines including bioengineering, medical imaging, genetics, molecular biology, physics, and evidence based medicine have substantially benefitted the practice of otology over the past quarter century. The impact of the contributions of members of the AOS in these developments cannot be over estimated.

CONCLUSIONS

Further scientific advancement will certainly accelerate change in the practice of otologic surgery and medicine over the coming decade in ways that will be marvelous to behold.

Consensus practice parameter: audiological assessment and management of unilateral hearing loss in children

Objective: Provide recommendations to audiologists for the management of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and for needed research that can lend further insight into important unanswered questions.Design: An international panel of experts on children with UHL was convened following a day and a half of presentations on the same. The evidence reviewed for this parameter was gathered through web-based literature searches specifically designed for academic and health care resources, recent systematic reviews of literature, and new research presented at the conference that underwent peer review for publication by the time of this writing.Study sample: Expert opinions and electronic databases including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Turning Research into Practice (TRIP) Database.Results: The resulting practice parameter requires a personalised, family-centred process: (1) routine surveillance of speech-language, psychosocial, auditory, and academic or pre-academic development; (2) medical assessments for determination of aetiology of hearing loss; (3) assessment of hearing technologies; and (4) considerations for family-centred counselling.Conclusions: This practice parameter provides guidance to clinical audiologists on individualising the management of children with UHL. In addition, the paper concludes with recommendations for research priorities.

Implications of dried blood spot testing for congenital CMV on management of children with hearing loss: A preliminary report

INTRODUCTION

Non-genetic, congenital sensorineural hearing loss (cSNHL) is commonly caused by congenital CMV infection (cCMV). Hearing loss related to cCMV is variable in degree, often progressive, and can affect one or both ears.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to examine the outcomes of DBS testing in California, and the hearing outcomes of cCMV-positive children.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of patients with SNHL of unknown etiology aged 6 months to 17 years old presenting to a tertiary care pediatric center and evaluated for cCMV by DBS testing.

RESULTS

114 children (228 ears) with SNHL of unknown origin were included. 6/114 (5.3%) tested positive for cCMV versus 108/114 (94.7%), who tested negative. None of the cCMV-positive children had symmetric bilateral hearing loss, compared with 56.5% (61/108) of cCMV-negative children (p < 0.05). cCMV-positive children were more likely to have profound SNHL in the worse-hearing ear (5/6 (83%) vs 16/108 (14.9%) of cCMV-negative children, p < 0.001). 86% (5/6) exhibited progressive hearing loss, including progression or new-onset hearing loss in the previously better hearing ear. 3 of the 6 children with cCMV underwent CI.

CONCLUSION

A small proportion of patients presenting with SNHL tested positive on DBS. Of cCMV-positive children, most presented with profound hearing loss in the worse-hearing ear, and 50% of cCMV-positive children developed progressive hearing loss in the initially better-hearing ear. Prognostic information afforded by etiologic confirmation of cCMV infection informed decision-making concerning cochlear implantation in these cases.

Results in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients With Varied Asymmetric Hearing: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Speech Recognition, Localization, and Participant Report

OBJECTIVES

Asymmetric hearing with severe to profound hearing loss (SPHL) in one ear and better hearing in the other requires increased listening effort and is detrimental for understanding speech in noise and sound localization. Although a cochlear implant (CI) is the only treatment that can restore hearing to an ear with SPHL, current candidacy criteria often disallows this option for patients with asymmetric hearing. The present study aimed to evaluate longitudinal performance outcomes in a relatively large group of adults with asymmetric hearing who received a CI in the poor ear.

DESIGN

Forty-seven adults with postlingual hearing loss participated. Test materials included objective and subjective measures meant to elucidate communication challenges encountered by those with asymmetric hearing. Test intervals included preimplant and 6 and 12 months postimplant. Preimplant testing was completed in participants' everyday listening condition: bilateral hearing aids (HAs) n = 9, better ear HA n = 29, and no HA n = 9; postimplant, each ear was tested separately and in the bimodal condition.

RESULTS

Group mean longitudinal results in the bimodal condition postimplant compared with the preimplant everyday listening condition indicated significantly improved sentence scores at soft levels and in noise, improved localization, and higher ratings of communication function by 6 months postimplant. Group mean, 6-month postimplant results were significantly better in the bimodal condition compared with either ear alone. Audibility and speech recognition for the poor ear alone improved significantly with a CI compared with preimplant. Most participants had clinically meaningful benefit on most measures. Contributory factors reported for traditional CI candidates also impacted results for this population. In general, older participants had poorer bimodal speech recognition in noise and localization abilities than younger participants. Participants with early SPHL onset had better bimodal localization than those with later SPHL onset, and participants with longer SPHL duration had poorer CI alone speech understanding in noise but not in quiet. Better ear pure-tone average (PTA) correlated with all speech recognition measures in the bimodal condition. To understand the impact of better ear hearing on bimodal performance, participants were grouped by better ear PTA: group 1 PTA ≤40 dB HL (n = 19), group 2 PTA = 41 to 55 dB HL (n = 14), and group 3 PTA = 56 to 70 dB HL (n = 14). All groups showed bimodal benefit on speech recognition measures in quiet and in noise; however, only group 3 obtained benefit when noise was toward the CI ear. All groups showed improved localization and ratings of perceived communication.

CONCLUSIONS

Receiving a CI for the poor ear was an effective treatment for this population. Improved audibility and speech recognition were evident by 6 months postimplant. Improvements in sound localization and self-reports of communication benefit were significant and not related to better ear hearing. Participants with more hearing in the better ear (group 1) showed less bimodal benefit but greater bimodal performance for speech recognition than groups 2 and 3. Test batteries for this population should include quality of life measures, sound localization, and adaptive speech recognition measures with spatially separated noise to capture the hearing loss deficits and treatment benefits reported by this patient population.

Cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes in pediatric and adolescent patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) undergoing cochlear implantation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort design at two tertiary level academic cochlear implant centers. The subjects included nine children ages 1.5 to 15 years-old with single-sided deafness (SSD) who had undergone cochlear implantation in the affected ear. Objective outcome measures included were speech reception testing in quiet and noise, bimodal speech reception threshold testing in noise, tinnitus suppression, and device usage.

RESULTS

Nine pediatric and adolescent patients with SSD were implanted between 2011 and 2017. The median age at implantation was 8.9 years (range, 1.5-15.1) and the children had a median duration of deafness 2.9 years (range, 0.8-9.5). There was variability in testing measures due to patient age. Median pre-operative aided word recognition scores on the affected side were <30% regardless of the testing paradigm used. Six patients had pre-operative word testing (4 CNC, median score 25%; 2 MLNT, 8% and 17%). Four patients had pre-operative sentence testing (3 AzBio, median score 44%; 1 HINT-C, 57%). Median post-implantation follow-up interval was 12.3 months (range, 3-27.6 months). Six subjects had post-operative word recognition testing (CNC median, 70%; MLNT 50%, 92%) with a median improvement of 45.5% points. Five subjects had post-operative sentence testing (AzBio, median 82%; HINT, median 76%), with a median improvement of 40.5% points. Eight patients are full time users of their device. Tinnitus and bimodal speech reception thresholds in noise were improved.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric subjects with SSD benefit substantially from cochlear implantation. Objective speech outcome measures are improved in both quiet and noise, and bimodal speech reception thresholds in noise are greatly improved. There is a low rate of device non-use.

Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness: A New Treatment Paradigm

Unilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), also known as single sided deafness (SSD), is a problem that affects both children and adults, and can have severe and detrimental effects on multiple aspects of life including music appreciation, speech understanding in noise, speech and language acquisition, performance in the classroom and/or the workplace, and quality of life. Additionally, the loss of binaural hearing in SSD patients affects those processes that rely on two functional ears including sound localization, binaural squelch and summation, and the head shadow effect. Over the last decade, there has been increasing interest in cochlear implantation for SSD to restore binaural hearing. Early data are promising that cochlear implantation for SSD can help to restore binaural functionality, improve quality of life, and may faciliate reversal of neuroplasticity related to auditory deprivation in the pediatric population. Additionally, this new patient population has allowed researchers the opportunity to investigate the age-old question "what does a cochlear implant (CI) sound like?."

Unilateral congenital hearing loss in children: Challenges and potentials

The estimated incidence of sensorineural hearing impairment (>40 dB HL) at birth is 1.86 per 1000 newborns in developed countries and 30-40% of these are unilateral. Profound sensorineural unilateral hearing impairment or single sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a cochlear implant. However, this treatment is costly and invasive and unnecessary in the eyes of many. Very young children with SSD often do not exhibit language and cognitive delays and it is hard to imagine that neurocognitive skills will present difficulties with one good ear. In the current paper we review the most recent evidence on the consequences of unilateral hearing impairment for auditory and neurocognitive factors. While data of both adults and children are discussed, we focus on developmental factors, congenital deafness and a window of opportunity for intervention. We discuss which etiologies qualify for a cochlear implant and present our multi-center prospective study on cochlear implants in infants with one deaf ear. The large, state-of-the art body of research allows for evidence-based decisions regarding management of unilateral hearing loss in children.

Update on consensus on diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a sudden, unexplained unilateral hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES

To update the Spanish Consensus on the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of ISSNHL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After a systematic review of the literature from 1966 to March 2018, on MESH terms «(acute or sudden) hearing loss or deafness», a third update was performed, including 1508 relevant papers.

RESULTS

Regarding diagnosis, 11ISSNHL is clinically suspected, the following diagnostic tests are mandatory: otoscopy, acumetry, tonal audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry, to discount conductive causes. After clinical diagnosis has been established, and before treatment is started, a full analysis should be performed. An MRI should then be requested, ideally performed during the first 15 days after diagnosis, to discount specific causes and to help to understand the physiopathological mechanisms in each case. Although treatment is very controversial, due to its effect on quality of life after ISSNHL and the few rare adverse effects associated with short-term steroid treatment, this consensus recommends that all patients should be treated with steroids, orally and/or intratympanically, depending on each patient. In the event of failure of systemic steroids, intratympanic rescue is also recommended. Follow-up should be at day 7, and after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

By consensus, results after treatment should be reported as absolute decibels recovered in pure tonal audiometry and as improvement in speech audiometry.

One-Year Results for Patients with Unilateral Hearing Loss and Accompanying Severe Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Treated with a Cochlear Implant

OBJECTIVE

To show that patients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL), with one ear fulfilling cochlear implant (CI) indication criteria, and an additional severe tinnitus handicap can be treated effectively with a CI.

METHOD

A prospective multi-centre study was conducted in five Spanish centres. Sixteen adult patients with UHL and a mean Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score of at least 58 were implanted. The study design included repeated within-subject measures of quality of life (Health Utility Index Mark 3 [HUI3]), tinnitus (THI, Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] on tinnitus loudness), hearing (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale- [SSQ]), and hyperacusis (Test de Hipersensibilidad al Sonido [THS]) up to 12 months after the initial CI fitting.

RESULTS

Group data showed significant subjective benefit from CI treatment: the preoperative HUI3 total utility score of 0.45 went up to 0.57 at 6 months and 0.63 at 12 months; the preoperative THI total score of 75 decreased to 40 at 6 months and 35 at 12 months. The preoperative tinnitus loudness VAS score of 8.2 decreased to 2.4 at 6 months and 2.2 at 12 months with the implant "On" and to 6.7 at 6 months and 6.5 at 12 months with the implant "Off." The preoperative THS total score of 26 decreased to 17 at 12 months. The preoperative SSQ total score of 4.2 increased to 5.1 at 6 months and 6.3 at 12 months. No unanticipated adverse events were reported during the study period. At 12 months after CI activation all subjects (except 1 subject who used the device 6 days a week) wore their devices all day and every day. The primary reason for CI use was split evenly between tinnitus suppression (n = 6) and both hearing and tinnitus (n = 6).

CONCLUSION

A CI should be considered as a treatment option in patients with UHL and a concomitant severe tinnitus handicap. However, appropriate counselling of candidates on the anticipated risks, benefits, and limitations that are inherent to cochlear implantation is imperative.

Permanent Unilateral Hearing Loss (UHL) and Childhood Development

Purpose of Review

The aim of this study is to summarize the consequences of permanent unilateral hearing loss (UHL) on the development of children as documented in the recent literature.

Recent Findings

Congenital and early-identified UHL places young children at risk for delays in speech-language development. School-aged children with UHL score lower on standardized tests of language and cognition and need increased assistance in school for educational and behavioral issues than siblings with normal hearing, and report lower hearing-related quality of life, similar to children with bilateral hearing loss (HL). Early intervention, including use of hearing amplification devices, might ameliorate some of those affects. For a child with mild to severe UHL at presentation, the risk of progression of HL in the worse-hearing ear may be as high as 40%, and the risk of progression to bilateral HL approaches 20%.

Summary

Although UHL can adversely affect the development of children, how to mitigate those effects requires investigation.

Profound hearing loss following surgery in pediatric patients with posterior fossa low-grade glioma

Background

Hearing loss may occur in patients with posterior fossa low-grade glioma who undergo surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 217 patients with posterior fossa low-grade glioma, including 115 for whom results of hearing tests performed after surgery and before chemotherapy or radiation therapy were available. We explored the association of UHL with age at diagnosis, sex, race, tumor location, extent of resection, posterior fossa syndrome, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and histology.

Results

Of the 115 patients, 15 (13.0%: 11 male, 6 black, 8 white, 1 multiracial; median age 7 years [range, 1.3-17.2 years]) had profound UHL after surgery alone or before receiving ototoxic therapy. Median age at tumor diagnosis was 6.8 years (range, 0.7-14.1 years), and median age at surgery was 6.8 years (range, 0.7-14.1 years). Patients with UHL had pathology characteristic of pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 10), ganglioglioma (n = 4), or low-grade astrocytoma (n = 1). Of these 15 patients, 4 underwent biopsy, 1 underwent gross total resection, 1 underwent near-total resection, and 9 underwent subtotal resection. UHL was more frequent in black patients than in white patients (OR 7.3, P = .007) and less frequent in patients who underwent gross total resection or near-total resection than in those who underwent subtotal resection (OR 0.11, P = .02).

Conclusions

Children undergoing surgery for posterior fossa low-grade glioma are at risk for UHL, which may be related to race or extent of resection. These patients should receive postoperative audiologic testing, as earlier intervention may improve outcomes.