Extended Applications for Cochlear Implantation.

The indications for cochlear implantation (CI) have expanded over the last few years. There is evidence that some adult patients with pre- or perilingual onset of deafness may gain from implantation. Similarly, CI in patients with single-sided deafness may offer significant benefits in terms of quality of life and social as well as academic development. In this setting, directional hearing may be restored and speech comprehension, especially in noise, may be optimized. In patients with intractable tinnitus and profound hearing loss, CI not only improves speech perception, but also helps to reduce the tinnitus in the deaf ear.