09-12, 09:30–10:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Pediatric Otolaryngology 2
Unlike children with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, those with unilateral hearing loss present a unique challenge. Since these children maintain consistent auditory input through their normal-hearing ear, they may be less motivated to consistently use a cochlear implant. As a result, traditional outcome measures—developed for bilateral hearing loss—may potentially be less applicable in this group.
Cochlear implantation for unilateral hearing loss in children has been shown to have benefits, including improved sound localization, quality of life, and audiological performance. However, critical questions remain. What factors influence device use in this population? What constitutes adequate duration of daily use? How does cochlear implant use compare with alternative interventions like bone-anchored hearing aids or contralateral routing of signal (CROS) systems?
This expert lecture will provide a comprehensive update on the latest literature on cochlear implantaton for pediatric unilateral hearing loss, with a particular focus on candidacy considerations, outcomes, and ongoing challenges in assessing benefit.
Cochlear implantation for unilateral hearing loss in children continues to be a focus of significant research, particularly regarding its impact, outcomes, and optimal candidate selection. This lecture will provide clinicians with the latest evidence to support informed shared decision-making with caregivers in managing this unique pediatric population.
Samantha Anne, MD,MS is a Professor with Cleveland Clinic Head and Neck Institute and serves as the Medical Director of Pediatric Ear and Hearing Disorders. Dr. Anne completed her Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Science degree, and her Doctor of Medicine degree at Wayne State University. Her post-graduate training includes a two-year otolaryngology residency at The State University of New York, followed by completion of residency at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. She then did a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Her research interests are in pediatric hearing loss and quality of life associated with cochlear implantation in children. She has authored more than a 100 papers, published a book on pediatric sensorineural hearing loss, and has presented internationally numerous times on pediatric hearing loss.
