A study to determine factors influencing outcomes of paediatric cochlear implants

Abstract

BackgroundCochlear implantation is a powerful tool for helping children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss to gain the ability to hear, achieve age appropriate communication skills. However patient selection is of utmost importance to achieve optimum results. MethodA cross sectional study was done on 75 children who had undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Hearing was assessed by, The Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS) and speech perception was assessed by the Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS) as a parent reported scale in an interview format. ResultsThe cochlear implantation improved auditory skills and speech perception of the children who underwent cochlear implantation. Children who had less than 40 months auditory deprivation and those who had higher educated parents had better auditory skills and speech perception. ConclusionEarly cochlear implantation and good auditory verbal therapy have better outcomes of hearing and speech.