Somatosensory phenomena after multichannel cochlear implantation in prelingually deaf adults.
OBJECTIVE
Central auditory system development in thought to be dependent on normal auditory nerve excitation. Central auditory disorganization may differ between prelingual and postlingual deafness. One possible clinical manifestation of such central auditory disorganization is somatosensory perception with cochlear implant stimulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of somatosensory phenomena in prelingually and postlingually deafened adult cochlear implant subjects.


METHODS
The study design was a retrospective analysis.


METHODS
The study was performed at an academic tertiary referral center.


METHODS
This study included 32 adult multichannel cochlear implant recipients.


METHODS
Subjective patient reporting of sensory perception after cochlear implant stimulation was reviewed.


RESULTS
All 10 prelingually deaf subjects noted somatosensory phenomena distant from the implanted ear (e.g., chest, abdomen) on implant stimulation. These sensations resolved gradually for all patients. No subject deafened after the age of 2 years reported somatosensory perceptions.


CONCLUSIONS
Somatosensory phenomena experienced by prelingually deafened adults suggest that disorganization of central auditory system pathways is more severe in these individuals. Earlier auditory deprivation appears to produce greater central auditory alterations, and perceptible crossover between somatosensory and auditory signals may be the end result.
McFeely
W J
WJ
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Antonelli
P J
PJ
Rodriguez
F J
FJ
Holmes
A E
AE
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology