Long-term effects of cochlear implants in children.
OBJECTIVE
Since 1987, when the use of multichannel cochlear implants was initiated in children, candidacy has expanded; many thousands of children have received these devices, and results have revealed a wide range of performance. However, few long-term studies exist on a large population of these children. There have been concerns expressed that cochlear implant function might degrade over time, that devices and electrodes might migrate and extrude in the growing child, or that there might even be a deleterious effect of long-term stimulation of the cochlear nerve. The purpose of this study was to explore the long-term effects of implantation as a function of performance over time, reimplantation, and educational factors.


METHODS
We studied 81 children who received implants at a major academic medical center and were followed for 5 to 13 years.


RESULTS
Results revealed significant gains in speech perception, use of oral language, and ability to function in a mainstream environment. There was no decrease in performance over time and no significant incidence of device or electrode migration or extrusion, and device failure did not cause a deterioration in long-term outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Multichannel cochlear implants in children provide perception, linguistic, and educational advantages, which are not adversely affected by long-term electrical stimulation.
Waltzman
Susan B
SB
Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Medical Center, NY, USA. susan.waltzman@med.nyu.edu
Cohen
Noel L
NL
Green
Janet
J
Roland
J Thomas
JT
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003638:Deafness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors