Cochlear Implantation in Children with Single-Sided Deafness

Cochlear implants were initially intended to provide access to children with little to no usable residual hearing bilaterally. How, then, did we arrive at the present when candidacy for cochlear implantation can include children who have significant hearing in the ear to be implanted, in the opposite ear, or both? In this chapter, we explore how cochlear implantation has evolved to include children with one normal hearing ear. Specifically, we address the developmental deficits of children with single-sided deafness (SSD) experience, the treatments that may be provided to help support children with SSD, and the potential for cochlear implants (CIs) to provide benefits for these children. Furthermore, we address the candidacy issues that arise when considering CIs for children with SSD and review some early outcome data in this group.