Cochlear Implants for Single-Sided Deafness: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Hearing
Single sided deafness, or SSD, is a condition in which only one ear is functioning. This type of hearing loss is also called microtia or atresia. Traditional amplification does not help SSD patients. However, new technology is becoming available that could change this. It is possible to get a Cochlear implant to help a patient hear. If you or someone you know suffers from SSD, read on to learn more about your options.
Bilateral deafness

Single sided deafness (SSD) is characterized by significant hearing loss in only one ear. The condition is also known as profound unilateral hearing loss (91dB or more). This type of deafness is often abbreviated as SSD by hearing professionals. The deafness of a single ear may be unilateral, bilateral, or combined. Fortunately, many new treatments for SSD have been developed.
A study of hearing loss in patients with unilateral hearing loss has shown that some sounds can be detected in the deaf ear, while others remain inaccessible. In addition, this procedure reduces the negative effects of acoustic head-shadow, allowing the deaf ear to hear at a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the hearing ear. Moreover, research shows that rerouting can significantly improve speech understanding even under adverse listening conditions. However, rerouting is not sufficient to improve binaural hearing in single-sided deafness sufferers because it does not unmask speech co-located with the interfering noise.
The onset of bilateral deafness is usually young. It is usually treated with hearing aids or bone conduction devices in children. However, there are some side effects of this treatment. Among them is an increased risk of infection. It is important to seek proper treatment for single-sided deafness early, so as to minimize complications and minimize loss of quality of life. A hearing device may help in alleviating social problems.
One study found that individuals with bilateral profound hearing loss had a higher handicap level than those with single-sided deafness. This was largely due to the fact that the patients with bilateral profound hearing loss did not report that their QOL was significantly lower than the deafness in the other ear. Furthermore, single-sided deafness sufferers are less dependent on the normal hearing ear.
CROS
People with single-sided deafness (SSD) are dependent on sounds from their ‘good' ear to understand conversations and other situations. Untreated, SSD makes it difficult to distinguish between different sounds. It can also make it difficult to locate a sound's direction. However, with the help of CROS and BiCROS devices, individuals with SSD can use sound signals from both ears to understand conversations.
CROS devices are available as either behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE) models. The technology uses bone conduction to transmit vibrations to the ear with the hearing loss. This technology allows people with single-sided deafness to hear sounds from both sides of their body, making them more socially acceptable. However, because the procedure involves surgery, not everyone with single-sided deafness can be a candidate.
Recent studies have shown that people with CROS for single sided deafilade often report gains in speech comprehension. Similarly, patients with a low-perceived hearing handicap are often reluctant to use the device. Therefore, the most important step is to make sure you wear the device properly. This will improve your chances of getting used to the device. When you choose CROS, be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
A CROS device works as a microphone and transmitter, processing all incoming sound signals on the good side. This eliminates the head shadow effect that many people with single sided deafness suffer from. BiCROS devices work in a similar way, but they are designed for people who have severe hearing loss in one ear. The CROS device is worn on the good ear, which allows the user to hear sounds in their good side.
BiCROS
When you have a hearing loss in one ear only, you may benefit from a CROS or BiCROS device. Single-sided deafness is a common condition, affecting about 60,000 people in the U.S. annually. The problem is not congenital; it can also be caused by a head trauma, viral infection, or a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma.
The CROS system is designed for single-sided hearing loss, but it will not provide benefits for a patient with unequal hearing in both ears. In these cases, a BiCROS system may be the best option. The device combines amplification in the better ear with sound coming from the weaker ear, so that the patient can hear conversations and television shows. The devices are discreet and require no surgery. The price of a BiCROS device will vary depending on the type of hearing loss and the person's listening needs. If you are unable to pay the full amount for a BiCROS device, your hearing insurance will help pay for the device.
The CROS/BiCROS device is an implantable hearing aid that is fitted in the patient's audiologist's office. It does not require surgery and does not amplify sound for the better ear. Although it is possible to experience improvement in localisation with a BiCROS device, many clients do not experience a significant improvement. However, they report subjective improvements.
The miniRITE-T is a Bluetooth-based device that works in a CROS/BiCROS setup. It has volume control and is powered by a 312 battery. With its Bluetooth low energy connectivity, it can connect to an external audio source and receive sound transmission through Near-Field Magnetic Induction from the poorer ear. Unlike most CROS systems, a BiCROS device does not need a switch to be used.
Cochlear implant

The multicentre SSD clinical trial, which was conducted from 2012 to 2016, involved sequential enrolment of five patients with single sided deafness (SSD) and five with asymmetric hearing loss (SNHL) in one or both ears. The study defined SSD as a hearing loss of more than 70 dB HL at the four-kHz and 0.5-Hz mean thresholds in the affected ear.
The study examined the long-term outcome of patients with SSD and found that the procedure can bring back hearing to patients with single-sided deafness. While cochlear implants were previously reserved for patients with severe hearing loss in both ears, Washington University researchers found that cochlear implants could benefit SSD patients. The Washington University team continues to study the best treatment for these patients, and the recent approval of Cochlear Limited and MED-EL implants expanded WashU's offerings to SSD patients.
Recent FDA approvals for SSD cochlear implants in children and adults is a great step toward improving the hearing of SSD patients. These implants are the best option for SSD patients, and a growing number of patients are undergoing them to improve their quality of life and self-esteem. And Washington University's Otolaryngology Department has a long history of improving the lives of SSD patients.
Single-sided deafness can impact a child's education and development. Children with a significant amount of sensorineural hearing loss face educational, behavioral, and social challenges. This may make it difficult for them to understand speech in noisy environments and contribute to social conversations. But a cochlear implant can improve hearing and help restore hearing in many cases. With careful planning and a good cochlear implant, children can experience improved communication abilities and social acceptance.
Unaided SSD
CROS hearing aids are an option for patients with sudden idiopathic single sided deafness. They are air-conduction devices that are worn on both ears. A microphone in the deaf ear picks up sound, which is sent to the hearing ear on the opposite side via a hard wire or FM signal. This helps the user gain better awareness and understanding of speech.
There are several advantages of cochlear implantation for SSD. In addition to improving binaural hearing, it also enhances sound localization in SSD patients. However, the benefits of cochlear implantation are currently unknown in the United States, where most of the studies were conducted in Europe. It is important that more studies are conducted to determine whether cochlear implantation is effective for SSD patients.
The results of a study on patients with unaided SSD show a significant improvement in speech perception with a CI compared to patients who wore no implant. This result confirms earlier findings that SSD implanted with CI improves speech understanding. Despite this, however, CROS or BCD systems cannot help people with tinnitus. The results of these studies also suggest that the implanted BAHS is effective for improving localization in patients with SSD.
Moreover, a recent study has shown that SSD patients with Meniere's disease are more likely to benefit from a simultaneous labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation. In this study, SSD patients with Meniere's disease reported a significant reduction in their DHI scores. In addition, the results showed that cochlear implantation also improved dizziness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, single-sided deafness (SSD) can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Traditional amplification does not help SSD patients, but new technologies are available that can make a difference. CROS and BiCROS devices can help SSD patients use sound signals from both ears to understand conversations.
Cochlear implants, which were previously only available for patients with severe hearing loss in both ears, can now benefit SSD patients as well. Recent FDA approvals for cochlear implants in SSD patients are a significant step forward in improving their hearing and quality of life.
However, more studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of cochlear implantation for SSD patients in the United States. It is essential to seek proper treatment early for SSD to minimize complications and loss of quality of life.