[The impact of cochlear implants on the quality of life of patients with single-sided deafness].

BACKGROUND

Unilaterally deaf patients are increasingly supplied with a cochlear implant (CI). In the present study the change in quality of life following implantation was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 20 postlingual CI recipients with single-sided deafness, who were divided into two groups: "normal hearing" (group 1) and "moderate impairment" (group 2) contralaterally. Their quality of life was determined using four standardized questionnaires (NCIQ, HPS, APHAB, HHIE) and a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

With the exception of the sensation of loud everyday sounds (APHAB AV scale) reported by patients from group 2, all study participants benefited significantly from the implantation.

DISCUSSION

The problems caused by the aversiveness of loud everyday sounds can be explained by the enhanced transmission of high frequencies and the associated unfamiliar sensations by the CI system. The effects of deafness duration and response shift remain to be investigated.

CONCLUSION

Cochlear implantation for unilaterally deaf patients was found to be a legitimate and meaningful rehabilitation measure.