Improved speech and language development after unilateral cochlear implantation in children with a potentially useable contralateral ear.

The present study indicates that despite one ear having potentially useable hearing outside national audiological criteria, the majority of participants received benefit from a CI in the poorer hearing ear. We suggest that assessment of each ear separately and treatment with the most appropriate amplification device, has given these children a benefit they may not otherwise have acquired if they only had bilateral HA.