A systematic review of the effect of cochlear implantation on cognition in pre-lingual children

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to summarize existing literature on cognitive outcomes in children with cochlear implant (CI) using behavioral and electrophysiological methods. Method: The study used a literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases using appropriate keywords. After a thorough full-length review, articles were selected based on the study objectives. The selected articles underwent quality analysis using a critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) questionnaire, and 34 articles were finalized for review. Result: The review gave an insight into cognitive outcomes in children with CI. In all the behavioral nonverbal cognitive tests, children with CI showed cognitive development similar to that of normal-hearing children. Cognitive scores showed a modality-specific result. Tasks requiring visual modality such as visual memory were not affected in children with CI even before the implantation. Whereas tasks using the auditory modality showed poorer scores in implanted children. Over the years, implanted children were on par with normal-hearing children in most of the cognitive domains except higher domains such as reasoning. However, in electrophysiological tests, varied results were found. Conclusion: Cochlear implants provide not only a long-term sensory benefit but also help in improving the overall cognition of children. The study also focuses on the importance of early implantation and suitable rehabilitation for appropriate cognitive development.