- Graeme Clark Collection
Graeme Clark Collection
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ItemClinical results for profoundly deaf patients using the 22-elctrode cochlear prosthesis [Abstract]Dowell, R. C. ; Clark, Graeme M. ( 1987)The 22-electrode cochlear prosthesis developed in Australia by the University of Melbourne and Cochlear Pty. Limited has been in clinical use in Melbourne for five years. Results for 40 postlingually deaf adults have shown significant communication benefit for 90% of patients. Twenty patients (50%) have demonstrated the ability to understand conversational speech without lipreading or visual cues. No electronic or mechanical failures have been observed in any of the implanted devices. There have been no serious medical complications, but psychological disturbance has occurred in two cases. Experience with prelingually deaf adults has indicated that initial hearing responses for this group are not as good as for the postlingually deaf patients. However, improvement over time has been evident with consistent use of the device. Long-term benefit for these patients will depend to a large extent on motivational and social factors. Results for a small number of young deaf children have been encouraging. The age at onset of profound deafness, intelligence, educational management and family support are all important factors affecting the potential benefit of a cochlear implant for a child.