Clinical results for children using the 22-channel cochlear prosthesis [Abstract]

Abstract

Twenty five profoundly/totally hearing-impaired children aged between 2 and 18 years have been implanted with the 22-channel cochlear prosthesis (Cochlear Pty. Ltd.) at The University of Melbourne over the last five years. Speech perception, speech production and language development have been monitored for these children both pre- and postoperatively. Results have shown improvements for all children in speech perception, postoperatively. The younger children (< 12 years) and those with an acquired (postlinguistic) profound hearing loss, have demonstrated some open-set speech recognition without visual clues. In general, older children with a prelinguistic profound hearing loss have not attained this level of performance. Improvements in speech production and language have also been demonstrated and tend to occur faster in younger children. Importantly, a number of congenitally deaf young children have shown significant improvements in speech perception, production and language. Important factors in the success of cochlear implants in children appear to be: educational environment - it is vital to have a strong auditory component (i.e. non-signing); careful attention to correct programming and maintenance of the prosthesis; support of family and other professionals.