Cochlear and Bone Conduction Implants in Asymmetric Hearing Loss and Single-Sided Deafness: Effects on Localization, Speech in Noise, and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND

Single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) impair spatial hearing and speech perception, often reducing quality of life. Cochlear implants (CIs) and bone conduction implants (BCIs) are rehabilitation options used in SSD and AHL to improve auditory perception and support functional integration in daily life.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate hearing outcomes after auditory implantation in SSD and AHL patients, focusing on localization accuracy, speech-in-noise understanding, tinnitus relief, and perceived benefit.

METHODS

In this longitudinal observational study, 37 patients (adults and children) received a CI or a BCI according to clinical indications. Outcomes included localization and spatial speech-in-noise assessment, tinnitus ratings, and SSQ12 scores. Statistical analyses used parametric and non-parametric tests ( < 0.05).

RESULTS

In adult CI users, localization error significantly decreased from 81.9° ± 15.8° to 43.7° ± 13.5° ( < 0.001). In children, regardless of the implant type (CI or BCI), localization error improved from 74.3° to 44.8°, indicating a consistent spatial benefit. In adult BCI users, localization error decreased from 74.6° to 69.2°, but the improvement did not reach statistical significance. Tinnitus severity, measured on a 10-point VAS scale, decreased significantly in CI users (mean reduction: 2.8 ± 2.0, < 0.001), while changes in BCI users were small and of limited clinical relevance. SSQ12B/C scores improved in all adult groups, with the largest gains observed in spatial hearing for CI users (2.1 ± 1.2) and in speech understanding for BCI users (1.6 ± 0.9); children reported high benefits across all domains. Head shadow yielded the most consistent benefit across all groups (up to 4.9 dB in adult CI users, 3.8 dB in adult BCI users, and 4.6 dB in children). Although binaural effects were smaller in BCI users, positive gains were observed, especially in pediatric cases. Correlation analysis showed that daily device use positively predicted SSQ12 improvement (r = 0.57) and tinnitus relief (r = 0.42), while longer deafness duration was associated with poorer localization outcomes (r = -0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

CIs and BCIs provide measurable benefits in SSD and AHL rehabilitation. Outcomes vary with age, device, and deafness duration, underscoring the need for early intervention and consistent auditory input.