Long-term results of cochlear implantation in children.
OBJECTIVE
Since the first implantation of a multichannel cochlear implant over 15 years ago there have been improvements in implant devices, surgical techniques, speech coding strategies and rehabilitation matters. There also have been concerns, whether the first implanted systems are stable and the benefit for the patients is constant over a long time. This study analyzes long-term results of prelingually deaf children who were implanted at Aachen University Hospital.


METHODS
We examined 16 prelingually deaf children, who underwent cochlear implantation at our department between 1990 and 1993 over a time period of 10 to 13 years. The indication, perioperative complications, technical parameters, speech test results as well as the psychosocial development of the children were analyzed. A questionnaire containing questions about the daily use, expectations and the personal evaluation of the procedure was sent to all patients.


RESULTS
The mean age of all patients was 9 years at time of implantation. In two cases we saw postoperative complications which needed an intervention. The speech test results remained stable after reaching a plateau after 5 years. Eighty-eight percent of all patients would undergo the procedure again and 94% would recommend cochlear implantation to others.


CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear implantation in cases of prelingual deafness is feasible without severe complications and leads to an increasing quality of life demonstrated by long-term observation.
Haensel
Jan
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany. jhaensel@ukaachen.de
Engelke
Jan-Christian
JC
Ottenjann
Wiebke
W
Westhofen
Martin
M
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003638:Deafness / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013997:Time Factors