Outcomes of cochlear implantation in children with and without inner ear malformations

Objective: To evaluate the auditory functions and progress of speech development in children with and without cochlear anomalies who underwent cochlear implantation due to prelingual profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Methods: This study was conducted at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Ear-Nose-Throat Department, between October 2006 and December 2007. A total of 69 children (aged 6 to 24 months) diagnosed with profound SNHL were included. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to the presence of inner ear anomalies: Group-1 consisted of 41 children without inner ear anomaly, whereas Group-2 was composed of 28 patients with inner ear anomalies. The auditory performance was assessed using Listening Progress Profile Test (LPPT) and Monosyllabic Trochee Polysyllabic Test (MTP), the subsections of Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech (EARS) test battery.

Results: Preoperative LPPT scores were 5 (12%) in both groups. Mean LPPT values after fitting in Group-1 and Group-2 on 1st, 3rd and 6th months were 18.5 (44.1%) and 19 (45.6%); 27 (64.2%) and 28 (67.3%); 31 (75%) and 34 (83%), respectively. Postoperatively, MTP scores in Group-1 and Group-2 were 7.5 (62%) and 7.7 (64%) for 3-words set; 10.4 (58%) and 10.6 (59%) for 6-words set; 14.3 (60%) and 14 (59%) for 12-words set, respectively. The rate of stimulation for electrodes was 1345 q/u (quick/unit) in Group-1 and 1310 q/u in Group-2. No statistically significant difference was detected between groups for variables under investigation.

Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is an effective treatment in children with prelingual profound SNHL. Auditory performance and advancement of speech are similar for children with and without inner ear anomalies.