Illustration of a child with hearing enhanced by MRI technology.

One Ear Silent? Finding Answers for Your Child's Single-Sided Deafness

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"TBCT vs. MRI: Which imaging modality offers the best path to diagnosis and support for congenital single-sided deafness (SSD) in children?"

Single-sided deafness (SSD) can pose significant challenges for a child's development, impacting their speech, language, and overall learning. Unlike some hearing issues, the cause of SSD can be elusive, requiring thorough investigation.

Advanced imaging techniques play a vital role in uncovering the reasons behind SSD, particularly in identifying anatomical differences in the inner ear and auditory nerve. This information is crucial for determining if interventions like cochlear implants (CI) are appropriate and can significantly improve a child's hearing.

This article explores the latest research comparing two key imaging methods—temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) and internal auditory canal MRI (IAC MRI)—to provide clarity on which offers the most diagnostic value for children with SSD. We'll break down the findings, making them accessible and actionable for parents and caregivers.

MRI: A Clearer Picture of Cochlear Nerve Health

Illustration of a child with hearing enhanced by MRI technology.

Recent research directly compares TBCT and IAC MRI in diagnosing the underlying causes of congenital SSD in children, with a particular focus on assessing the integrity of the cochlear nerve. The study, which involved young children with SSD, sought to determine which imaging technique provides a more accurate and detailed view, crucial for planning potential interventions.

The findings indicate that IAC MRI offers significant advantages over TBCT in visualizing the cochlear nerve. MRI was able to detect subtle but important differences in nerve structure, including cases of cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) and the newly proposed category of 'indeterminate CN.'

Accurate CN assessment: MRI allows for a more precise evaluation of the cochlear nerve, essential for CI candidacy.
Detection of Malformations: MRI is better at identifying inner ear malformations and brain abnormalities that may contribute to SSD.
'Indeterminate CN': The study introduces a new concept, 'indeterminate CN,' which MRI was able to identify; its role in SSD is still under investigation.

TBCT, while still valuable, provides primarily bony details. MRI offers a clearer and nuanced picture of nerve health, making it an invaluable tool in the diagnostic process. This distinction is especially important because the condition of the cochlear nerve is a key factor in determining whether a cochlear implant will be beneficial.

Empowering Parents with Knowledge: The Next Steps

For parents of children with SSD, understanding the role of imaging is crucial. The research suggests that MRI, specifically IAC MRI, should be considered as a primary diagnostic tool due to its ability to provide detailed information about the cochlear nerve.

Early and accurate diagnosis is the first step. If your child has been diagnosed with SSD, discuss imaging options with their healthcare provider. Knowing the condition of the cochlear nerve will help guide decisions about potential interventions, such as cochlear implantation.

While 'indeterminate CN' is a new concept, its identification through MRI highlights the importance of ongoing research in this area. Continued exploration will help refine diagnostic criteria and improve outcomes for children with SSD, ultimately ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3390/jcm7120515, Alternate LINK

Title: Appropriate Imaging Modality For The Etiologic Diagnosis Of Congenital Single-Sided Deafness In Children

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine

Publisher: MDPI AG

Authors: Sang-Yeon Lee, Shin Kim, Yun Bae, Eun Kim, Ja-Won Koo, Byung Choi

Published: 2018-12-04

Everything You Need To Know

What is single-sided deafness (SSD), and why is an early diagnosis so important?

Single-sided deafness (SSD) presents substantial hurdles for a child's development, specifically affecting speech acquisition, language proficiency, and overall learning abilities. Early and precise diagnosis is vital to provide suitable assistance and interventions, and identify if treatments like cochlear implants (CI) are suitable.

What are the differences between TBCT and IAC MRI?

Temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) and internal auditory canal MRI (IAC MRI) are both imaging methods used to diagnose the underlying causes of congenital SSD. TBCT is primarily effective at offering information about bony details. IAC MRI, offers a more detailed and nuanced image of the cochlear nerve and inner ear malformations, making it a more valuable tool in the diagnostic process, particularly in assessing cochlear nerve health.

Why is IAC MRI considered a better imaging tool than TBCT for children with SSD?

IAC MRI is superior because it visualizes the cochlear nerve more effectively than TBCT. MRI is able to detect subtle but important differences in nerve structure, including cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) and the newly proposed category of 'indeterminate CN.' Accurate cochlear nerve assessment is essential for assessing CI candidacy, identifying inner ear malformations, and brain abnormalities.

How does cochlear nerve health impact the treatment of SSD?

Cochlear nerve health is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of a cochlear implant (CI). MRI, specifically IAC MRI, offers a detailed view of the cochlear nerve. This allows clinicians to assess if the cochlear nerve is suitable for a CI, potentially significantly improving a child's hearing.

What is 'indeterminate CN' and why is it significant in diagnosing SSD?

The research introduces the concept of 'indeterminate CN', a category identified through IAC MRI, where the role in SSD is still being investigated. This category highlights the importance of detailed imaging, as it can detect issues not always apparent with other methods. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of 'indeterminate CN'.