Patient Sentiments Influencing Management Strategy for Single-sided Deafness.

OBJECTIVE

Assess opinions that influence treatment choice for single sided deafness (SSD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary neurotology referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients with SSD were recruited between December 2020 and February 2021. Included patients were self-selected by voluntary completion of the study questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), and a questionnaire containing 25 areas of inquiry relevant to management strategy decision making.

RESULTS

In comparison to the surgical management group, patients opting for nonsurgical amplification were significantly more concerned about device visibility (p = 0.005, 1.32 ± 0.22 versus 2.67 ± 0.37), undergoing surgery (p = 0.017, 1.64 ± 0.23 versus 2.89 ± 0.51), and the thought of harboring an implanted device (p = 0.003, 1.46 ± 0.22 versus 2.82 ± 0.35). Patients with a major hearing handicap (grade 2-4) placed significantly less emphasis on out-of-pocket costs (p = 0.049, 2.38 ± 0.17 versus 2.94 ± 0.21) and were less concerned about experiencing discomfort from the device (p = 0.033, 3.13 ± 0.11 versus 3.56 ± 0.16) or ease of device use (p = 0.040, 3.20 ± 0.13 versus 3.63 ± 0.13) when compared with the minor handicap group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lingering concerns about device visibility, undergoing surgery, and harboring an implanted device underscore the need for thorough patient counseling during SSD device selection consultations. These efforts should aim to address esthetic and surgical risk concerns while emphasizing the potential for improvements in quality of life.