For children with single-sided deafness (SSD), a lack of binaural hearing can affect speech understanding in noise, sound localization, learning, and everyday interaction. In this article, Annabelle Fischer explores the causes and consequences of SSD, compares current treatment options, and explains how cochlear implantation, when combined with targeted rehabilitation and family support, can help children unlock the benefits of hearing with both ears.

Cochlear implantation has been shown to improve not only the hearing of thousands of patients with unilateral deafness, but growing evidence now shows that many SSD (single-sided deafness) CI users also benefit from improved tinnitus control, sound localization, and quality of life. This article summarizes key findings from recent publications, including systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical considerations—that, for the first time, were able to draw on data from a large number of adult SSD-CI patients.

The active, transcutaneous BONEBRIDGE BCI 602 implant offers clear advantages over percutaneous BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) implants. Time and again, BAHAs are explanted and replaced with BONEBRIDGE. Leading ENT surgeons have reached an international consensus and established guidelines for the explantation of a BAHA followed by implantation of BCI 602.

SAMBA 2 is the latest generation audio processor for MED-EL’s active middle ear implant, VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE, and our bone conduction implant, BONEBRIDGE. What tests and user experiences have shown for a long time has now also been confirmed by a recent peer-reviewed publication: The sophisticated technology built into SAMBA 2 increases hearing quality and speech