Single-sided deafness (SSD) is a hearing impairment that affects approximately one in every 1,000 newborns. These infants experience severe-to-profound hearing loss in one ear while maintaining normal or near-normal hearing in the other ear. It is also possible for older children and adults to develop this condition.
If your child displays symptoms of single-sided deafness, also known as unilateral hearing loss, it is crucial to consult their doctor promptly. Hearing impairment can hinder language development and speech acquisition in children. However, early intervention and treatment can help prevent potential challenges.
Recognizable symptoms of single-sided deafness include:
— Tinnitus (ringing) in one ear
— Limited use of the phone with the hearing ear only
— Head turning to locate the source of a sound
— Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
— Auditory fatigue due to the increased effort required for listening with hearing impairment
Early identification and treatment of hearing impairment are essential.
If any symptoms of single-sided deafness are observed, your child’s pediatrician may refer your family to an audiologist who specializes in hearing issues. The audiologist may conduct a behavioral audiogram, a hearing test commonly used for diagnosing this condition. For infants, an auditory brainstem response test may be performed, which involves playing tonal sounds and clicks while measuring the child’s brainwaves to assess their response.
Once diagnosed, several treatment options are available for single-sided deafness. These treatment methods may include the use of steroids, implementing appropriate seating arrangements in classrooms, utilizing hearing aids, or employing bone conduction hearing devices. Cochlear implantation has proven to be the most effective treatment for SSD.
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that delivers signals directly to the cochlea, the inner ear. These signals are then interpreted as sound and processed into speech.
Consisting of a microphone, sound processor, transmitter, and electrode array, a cochlear implant picks up sounds and converts them via the sound processor. The transmitter then transforms the sounds into electrical impulses, which are transmitted to the auditory nerve through the electrode array.
In the case of patients with single-sided deafness, the cochlear implant is surgically placed beneath the scalp and behind one ear. Over time, cochlear implants have been proven to enhance hearing and significantly improve the quality of life for children with SSD.
Cochlear implants offer several key benefits to children with SSD, such as enhanced sound localization, the ability to determine the origin of a sound. Another significant benefit is improved speech discrimination, which enables children to hear speech more clearly in both quiet and noisy environments. Cochlear implants can also alleviate tinnitus, making it easier for children to concentrate. Additionally, cochlear implants facilitate binaural (two-ear) input of sound to the brain, enhancing skills like localization and speech discrimination. This binaural input can also extend a child’s attention span while listening.
While there are risks associated with cochlear implantation surgery, complications are rare, and most patients recover quickly.
Other treatments for single-sided deafness include the use of contralateral routing of sound devices, osseointegrated implants, and bone anchored hearing aids. These technologies can improve speech discrimination; however, research shows that they are not as effective as cochlear implants in overcoming challenges related to sound localization and tinnitus.
Cochlear implants are recommended for children as young as 9 months old who are living with single-sided deafness. Early implantation typically leads to improved speech and language outcomes. Young children who receive cochlear implants often experience advancements in sound discrimination, speech development, and sound localization.
If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, it is important to discuss them with their doctor.
For more information, visit HealthyChildren.org.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dr. Brian K. Reilly, MD, FACS, FAAP, is a pediatric otolaryngologist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He serves as the co-director of the Cochlear Implant Team at Children’s National Hospital.
Diya Kallam is a medical student at George Washington University of Medical and Health Sciences.
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