title: Speech perception performance of nucleus multichannel cochlear implant users with partial electrode insertions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present investigation examined the speech perception performance of five children with ossified cochleas who received partial insertions of the Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant.
  
  
  METHODS
  The partial-insertion subjects' preimplant and 1.5 yr postimplant performance on a battery of speech perception tests was compared to the average performance of age-matched control subjects who received full electrode insertions. All the partial-insertion subjects were fit with their Nucleus cochlear implant between the ages of 2 and 5 yr, and had used their device for at least 1.5 yr. More extended comparisons also were made for the two partial-insertion subjects who had used their cochlear implants for a longer period of time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The subjects with partial electrode insertions performed similarly to the control group at both the preimplant and 1.5 yr postimplant intervals. Furthermore, the partial-insertion subjects showed continued improvements in speech perception performance with increased device experience past 1.5 yr, again similar to the full-insertion control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present results suggest that partial insertion of a multichannel implant device is an appropriate and feasible approach to the surgical management and auditory rehabilitation of children with extensive or complete ossification of the cochlea.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
authors.forename: K I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sehgal
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests; D013067:Speech Perception; D013997:Time Factors