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.