Improving Sound Localization After Cochlear Implantation and Auditory Training for the Management of Single-Sided Deafness

Objective: To report a successful case of cochlear implantation and auditory training for the improvement of sound localization in a patient with single-sided deafness. Study Design: Case report and literature review. Setting: Tertiary referral otology practice. Patient: Fifty-seven-year-old man receiving cochlear implantation after 8 years of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Intervention: Initially, CROS hearing aid, then osseointegrated bone conduction system and finally cochlear implantation and auditory training. Main Outcome Measures: Sound localization tests. Result: Sound localization tests after CI and auditory training showed improvement when compared with testing performed after fitting of an osseointegrated bone conduction system. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation followed by 3 months of auditory training may have improved sound localization in this patient with single-sided deafness. Further case-controlled studies need to be undertaken to ascertain whether CI alone without formal auditory training will promote the same results.