In this presentation, we will present a series of case discussions that will explore the intervention (re/habilitation) and outcomes following cochlear implantation in three paediatric patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, or single-sided deafness (SSD). Children with SSD face unique challenges such as difficulty understanding speech in noise and in localising sound. Research has also indicated that SSD can affect academic performance, social participation, and quality of life. For children with severe to profound SSD, cochlear implantation is a relatively recent but increasingly viable intervention to restore binaural hearing. We aim to describe the multidimensional rehabilitation process following cochlear implantation for three children with SSD at Perth Children's Hospital. Outcome measures include auditory performance, speech recognition in noise, localisation ability, and qualitative feedback from parents and educators. Post-implant, all three children improved in their listening and language skills via their cochlear implant, but these improvements were not able to be replicated for binaural summation or speech recognition in complex auditory environments. We encountered issues such as device rejection and the need for intensive, ongoing speech pathology support. Whilst high quality research on outcomes of cochlear implantation in children with SSD is needed, this case series encourages further consideration of paediatric cochlear implantation candidacy criteria and advocates for a comprehensive, family-centred rehabilitative approach that aims to improve not just hearing, but quality of life for our young patients.

1. Cochlear implantation can be a transformative intervention for children with SSD who do not benefit from traditional management strategies such as hearings aids.

2. The rehabilitative process post-implantation is multifaceted and extends beyond the surgical intervention. It encompasses CI rehabilitation that includes principles of auditory verbal therapy, psychosocial support, and educational accommodations which are crucial for addressing the diverse needs of children with SSD.

3. The presentation will emphasise the importance of reconsidering candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation in children with SSD. The case studies illustrate that while there are challenges such as device rejection and the necessity for intensive therapy, the potential benefits of cochlear implants in terms of auditory experience and overall quality of life are significant.