Epidemiological study on pediatric unilateral cochlear implantation in Gujarat, India: Discrepancy among children based on age of implantation, gender, region and type of implant device as per manufacturers

Abstract

BackgroundTo overcome the hazardous effect of hearing loss, bioelectrical intensive research over the last five decades has advanced with invasive hearing devices, cochlear implants. The epidemiological study on the number of cochlear implantation performed across the world is rare. ObjectivesThe present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of unilateral cochlear implantation in children in the Saurashtra region, Gujarat between the month of December, 2013 and August, 2019.Materials and Methods: A register-based, retrospective study was employed reviewing the clinical reports of the cochlear implantees on age at implantation, gender, region of belonging and the type of implant device being used. Results216 children underwent cochlear implantation at the Saurashtra region under School Health Programme. The total study population constituted 61% (132) male and 39% (84) female implantees. Higher number of implantations were performed with Cochlear device at later childhood (6–7 years of age) and most of the implantees were from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat as compared to other regions. ConclusionThe present study speculated that the differences in age at implantation, gender, region of belonging and the type of implant being used based on the manufacturer. The results of the present study could be used to plan and execute policies for the identification, management, and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing impairment.