Clinical Characteristics of Children With Single-Sided Deafness Presenting for Candidacy Assessment for Unilateral Cochlear Implantation

Purpose of Review: Children with unilateral deafness may experience challenges with language development, educational progress, and social interaction. Rehabilitation with a cochlear implant (CI) may minimize these impacts. This review examines the characteristics of children with unilateral deafness presenting for candidacy assessment. Recent Findings: Forty-nine children with unilateral deafness were assessed. Many (15/49) did not meet candidacy criteria due to cochlear nerve aplasia/hypoplasia (12/49), while 17/49 elected not to pursue CI. The most common etiologies in those 17/49 (35%) who met candidacy and consented to CI were congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) (41%) and trauma (26%). Summary: Many children with unilateral deafness who present for assessment do not go on to receive an implant due to anatomic contraindications or their desire for non-intervention. This review highlights the high prevalence of cCMV amongst children with unilateral deafness presenting for CI where the potential for progression to bilateral hearing loss may influence decision for implantation.