The relationship between onset of single sided deafness and educational achievement

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine if there is an association between onset of single sided deafness (SSD) and educationlevel in Turkish males who are diagnosed with SSD.Patients and Methods: A total of 238 male patients aged between 18 and 47 years, diagnosed as SSD before 10 years old, wereprospectively enrolled. According to the onset time of SSD, patients were divided into three groups as under two years old, between2-5 years old, and between 5-10 years old.Results: The results showed that onset time of SSD affected educational achievement. Although total of 238 patients had beendiagnosed SSD before the age of 10 years, no significant relationship was recognized between the patients with SSD and normalones in terms of educational level.Conclusion: According to results of this study, children with SSD and their families should be encouraged that this situation will notimpact their educational developments in the future.