Relationship between age at cochlear implantation and auditory speech perception development skills in children

Abstract

ObjectiveSensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is an important risk factor for the development of linguistic abilities in children. In recent years, technological improvement and transition from hearing aids to cochlear implants from have showed a brighter image for the future of this children involved. However, there are many unknowns along this path. The present study attempted to address some of these unknowns by check the data from children treated at Khuzestan Cochlear Implant Center. Materials and methodsThis study was performed on 104 children admitted to Khuzestan Cochlear Implant Center, Ahvaz, Iran. These children where children undergoing cochlear implantation were followed for one year and Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) scores were recorded. ResultsThe results of this study showed that implantation age was inversely correlated with speech perception at the end of one year. Girls in the ninth month, monolingual children in the sixth and ninth month, and children with higher education mothers performed better results in the one-year follow up. ConclusionLower age at the time of cochlear implantation, being a girl, living in a monolingual environment, lack of accompanying disorders, and having a more educated mother can significantly improve children's performance.