Introduction Current data show that binaural hearing is superior to unilateral hearing, specifically in the understanding of speech in noisy environments. Furthermore, unilateral hearing reduce onés ability to localize sound. Objectives This study provides a systematic review of recent studies to evaluate the outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) with regards to speech discrimination, sound localization and tinnitus suppression. Data Synthesis We performed a search in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Lilacs databases to assess studies related to cochlear implantation in patients with unilateral deafness. After critical appraisal, eleven studies were selected for data extraction and analysis of demographic, study design and outcome data. Conclusion Although some studies have shown encouraging results on cochlear implantation and SSD, all fail to provide a high level of evidence. Larger studies are necessary to define the tangible benefits of cochlear implantation in patients with SSD.

The ABI improved hearing performance in audiometry and speech perception tests in cases of postmeningitis hearing loss. The extended retrolabyrinthine approach is a safe surgical option for patients with postmeningitis hearing loss and bilateral totally ossified cochleae.

Introduction: The Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) is an option to auditory restoration in patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who cannot be fitted with a cochlear implant. This is the only option in patients with post meningitis hearing loss presenting with bilateral total cochlear ossification. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to evaluate the hearing contribution in audiometry and speech perception tests at least 12 months after ABI implantation in patients with post-meningitis profound hearing loss. The complications of the procedure were also described. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with post-meningitis hearing loss went an ABI through extended retrolabyrinthine approach in a tertiary center by the same surgeons. The same audiologist was responsible for audiological follow-up. Tonal audiometry and speech perception tests were made before and at least 12 months after the ABI activation. The procedure complications were described for all patients. Results: Eight of ten patients became ABI users. Two patients had no auditory response and abandoned the treatment. Eight users showed benefit in tonal audiometry, word and vowels perception tests after an average follow up of 3.3 years. Two patients were able to recognize 30 and 40% of closed sentences without lip reading. There were no complications due to the ABI procedure. Conclusion:The extended retrolabyrinthine approach for the ABI is a safe surgical option for patients with post-meningitis hearing loss and totally ossified cochleae. It contributes to hearing performance in audiometry and speech perception tests. Even though the ABI results are poorer than the cochlear implants, in this study the majority of patients use their ABI more than eight hours a day and report benefits in daily activities.

Introduction Cochlear implants have been proposed for cases of unilateral hearing loss, especially in patients with tinnitus impairment. Several studies have shown that they result in definite improvement of sound localization and speech understanding, both in quiet and noisy environments. On the other hand, there are few references regarding cochlear implants in patients whose better ears present hearing loss. Objective To report the audiological outcomes of three patients with unilateral deafness, in whom the better ears presented hearing losses, submitted to cochlear implants. Methods Three patients with unilateral profound hearing loss underwent a cochlear implant performed by the same surgeon. Results The patients' data are presented in detail. Conclusion The indications for cochlear implants are becoming more diverse with the expansion of clinical experience and the observation that they definitely help patients with special hearing problems.