Long-term outcome after cochlear implantation in children with additional developmental disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
Candidacy criteria for cochlear implants have expanded to include children with complex developmental disabilities. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term benefits of cochlear implantation for this clinical population.


METHODS
The study involved a retrospective chart review.


METHODS
The review identified 21 children with complex disabilities who had received cochlear implants in a pediatric center prior to 2004. Length of cochlear implant use was between 7.3 and 19.0 years. Long-term functional auditory abilities were assessed pre and post-operatively using measures appropriate to the child's level of functioning. Cognitive assessments and developmental data were also available for the children.


RESULTS
Children's long-term speech recognition outcomes depended highly on their developmental status. Children with severe developmental delay showed no open-set speech recognition abilities while children with mild to moderate delays achieved open-set scores ranging from 48 to 94% on open-set word testing. Five of 13 (38%) children with complex needs had discontinued use of their cochlear implant.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term speech recognition abilities following cochlear implantation for children with complex developmental issues seem to be highly related to their developmental profile. Developmental status is an important consideration in counselling families as part of the cochlear implant decision process.
* Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.
Nathalie
N
Wakil
Elizabeth M
EM
Fitzpatrick
Janet
J
Olds
David
D
Schramm
JoAnne
J
Whittingham
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003071:Cognition; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013067:Speech Perception; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Children; additional disabilities; cochlear implants; hearing loss; outcomes