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[Cochlear implants in children with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct]
De-min Han1, Xiao-tian Zhao, Yong-xin Li
1Beijing Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China.
Insights
Multi-channel cochlear implantation in children with enlarged vestibular aqueduct yields positive hearing rehabilitation outcomes. These results are comparable to those with normal cochlear structures, demonstrating effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Context:
- Enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a common cause of congenital hearing loss in children.
- Cochlear implantation is a potential treatment for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
- Clinical data on cochlear implantation outcomes in children with EVA are limited.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of multi-channel cochlear implantation in pediatric patients diagnosed with enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of the surgical procedure and subsequent auditory rehabilitation.
Summary:
- Fifteen children with EVA underwent multi-channel cochlear implantation via a standard facial recess approach.
- No serious complications were reported; all patients achieved auditory sensation post-implantation.
- Hearing thresholds were comparable to those in children with normal cochlear structures, with significant improvements in speech discrimination and spoken language skills post-rehabilitation.
Impact:
- Multi-channel cochlear implantation is a safe and effective treatment for hearing loss in children with enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct.
- The findings support the use of cochlear implantation as a viable option for hearing rehabilitation in this specific pediatric population.
- Successful auditory rehabilitation can enable children with EVA to integrate into normal educational settings.
Objective:
To describe the clinical experiences with multi-channel cochlear implantation in the children with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct.
Method:
Fifteen patients were diagnosed with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct and received multi-channel cochlear implantation at Beijing Tongren Hospital. A cochleostomy was performed for all patients by a standard facial recess approach to anterior inferior to the round window niche.
Results:
(1) Most of the electrodes were totally inserted in the cochlear, and gusher appeared in 6 implantations. (2) No serious complications occurred after implantation. (3) All patients have auditory sensations after implantations. (4) The hearing threshold in this series were similar to that of the normal cochlear implantation (the average threshold was 30 dB). (5) The rehabilitation concept was developed by Rehabilitation Research Center for Deaf Children in Beijing and Beijing Tongren Hospital. The training sessions included sound detection, word discrimination, auditory comprehension and spoken language skill development. The abilities of speech discrimination and spoken language were improved comparing with that of pre-operation. Two of the patients could go to the normal school after implantations.
Conclusion:
The outcome of hearing rehabilitation for children with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct were similar to those children with "normal" cochlear structure followed the multi-channel cochlear implantation.