[Cochlear implants in children with mental disabilities].
BACKGROUND
Nowadays, profoundly deaf children with associated psychotic disorders can sometimes benefit from a cochlear implant program. These fragile children who have a specific development need a reinforced observation and follow up, and active parental collaboration.


METHODS
From a series of 8 children with psychotic disorders implanted between 1999 and 2006, we present 4 representative cases of our practise, which have at least 3 years post implant.


RESULTS
The questions that should occur about the conditions of the cochlear implantation are discussed in the light of the results of our observations. No children deteriorated them selves. All of them use their cochlear implant continuously.


CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear implant is a tool in a global approach towards mobilization of communication resources in such children.
Silhol
C
C
CHU Timone, Service d'ORL Pédiatrique et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Unité d'Implantation Cochléaire, 264 rue Saint Pierre, F-13385 Marseille 05, France.
Bensimon
A
A
Beaud
M C
MC
Guarella
M D
MD
Jonquières
C
C
Durochat
A
A
Sarabian
N
N
Giorgetti
F
F
Delorenzi
J
J
Pontet
S
S
Ehret
D
D
Triglia
J M
JM
Roman
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D001299:Audiometry; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002657:Child Development; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications*; D002663:Child Language; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012813:Sign Language