Cochlear implantation in children with congenital unilateral deafness: Mid-term follow-up outcomes

Abstract

ObjectivesAlthough cochlear implantation is widely used to treat unilateral deafness in adults, very little literature exists on its use and effects on the paediatric population. This report adds to the literature showing the mid-term follow-up outcomes achieved by these children. Material and methodsThree children with congenital unilateral deafness were studied after implantation. Speech perception in noise, and sound localization ability were evaluated using age-appropriate materials. ResultsThe preliminary data of our small group of 3 children with congenital unilateral profound hearing loss revealed that up to 3 years post-implantation, congenitally deaf children who received a cochlear implant after 4 years of age do not demonstrate binaural hearing benefits. ConclusionEarly intervention in the prelingual phase may be crucial for the development of binaural hearing.