Quality standards for adult cochlear implantation in single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss

Objective: To establish a set of quality standards that will help implant centers provide each adult with single-sided deafness (SSD) or asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) with the best possible hearing rehabilitation option and professional care. These standards are the minimum that implant clinics can implement realistically. Methods: Members of the HEARRING network used the Delphi method approach to discuss and agree on the minimum outcome measures for the evaluation of patients with SSD or AHL. Results: These quality standards define SSD and AHL propose team structures and the minimum levels of experience and expertise necessary for their members, describe the resources and facilities that clinics should possess or have access to, and cover each stage of the patient journey, from referral to trials with nonimplanted devices to postoperative follow-up–in the case of cochlear implant provision–and long-term maintenance. Conclusion: This set of quality standards can help implant centers provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art pre, intra, and postoperative care for adults with SSD or AHL.