The benefit of a cochlear implant in children with congenital single-sided deafness

The estimated incidence of sensorineural hearing impairment (HI) at birth is 1.86 per 1000 newborns, of which 30-40% suffer from unilateral hearing loss. For children with congenital single-sided deafness (SSD), a cochlear implant (CI) is the only rehabilitative option that can facilitate binaural hearing (i.e. hearing with both ears). This is not only important for spatial perception, but also for the development of spoken language, cognition, and speech in noise perception.

In this research project, we will investigate the benefit of a CI in children with congenital SSD (SSD+CI), by comparing them to two control groups: children with SSD without a CI (SSD) and children with bilateral normal hearing (NH). The language and cognitive development of the children will be investigated longitudinally, along with the children's spatial and binaural hearing skills. In addition, we will investigate the voice gender cue perception abilities of the SSD+CI children (i.e., their ability to differentiate between male and female voices).

The results of our research have already led to a change in the Belgian legislation, approving the reimbursement of cochlear implantation for children with SSD. Moreover, they will provide guidelines for improved audiological rehabilitation in this population.