Cochlear implantation as a solution for unilateral deafness in children – first experience

Introduction: Single-sided deafness (SSD) is characterized by hearing loss in one ear (pure tone average – PTA – 70 dB HL and more) with practically normal hearing in the other ear (losses up to 30 dB HL). One of the solutions is cochlear implantation, which, unlike other compensatory mechanisms (CROS system, direct bone conduction systems), is the only one that enables binaural hearing. Material and methods: Six pediatric patients with SSD who underwent cochlear implantation at FN Motol in 2020–2021 were included in the study. We monitored the development of auditory perception with a cochlear implant, the ability of directional hearing and the average daily time of use of the sound processor. Results: All patients use the sound processor regularly, subjectively and objectively their hearing perception improved. Directional hearing is not yet demonstrable. We will continue to monitor the patients and the knowledge gained will need to be verified on a larger set in the future. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation can be a suitable way to solve unilateral deafness in children. When indicating, it is necessary to consider the etiology of the hearing defect, the duration of the deafness, and the motivation of the children and their parents to regularly use the sound processor. Keywords: cochlear implantation – speech perception – single sided deafness