Kubat, Gozde OrhanOzen, OzkanColak, Emre2026-01-242026-01-2420251808-86941808-8686https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101635https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12868/5652Objective: Structural changes in the brain have been identified in patients with hearing loss. However, the effect of long-term Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss (USNHL) on cerebral and cerebellar morphology is not fully understood. Methods: In this study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of 12 long-term USNHL adults was compared with their Normal-Hearing (NH) side using Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM). The USNHL group was also compared to a control group of 12 hearing-healthy individuals. Volume and cortical thickness changes in cerebral and cerebellar structures, possibly related to hearing loss severity and duration, were assessed using VBM. Results: The study found that, compared to the control group, USNHL patients had significantly higher measurements in the Frontal Operculum (FO) Gray Matter (GM) volume (cm3) (p = 0.024), Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) thickness (p = 0.041), and cerebellum IX GM volume (cm3) (p = 0.025). No significant differences were observed between the intact and NH sides in the USNHL group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Cerebral and cerebellar structures, which are essential for perceiving and interpreting sound, integrating information, and coordinating movement, may undergo morphological changes due to neuroadaptive mechanisms in long-term USNHL patients. Larger case series are needed to explore the clinical implications of these changes for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Levels of evidence: Level 3.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessHearing lossUnilateralGray matterBrain morphometryAuditory cortexArticle10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101635915403446932-s2.0-105004441724Q2WOS:001510347500001Q2