[Results of hearing perception after cochlear implantation in patients with auditory neuropathy]

Results of hearing perception with patient with auditory and visual neuropathy combined with peripheral polyneuropathy one year after cochlear implantation are presented in this article. Visual problems and hearing loss were progressing during recent years leading to social problems and communication disability. Speech discrimination was much worse than could be suspected based on pure tone audiometry. Lack of benefit from hearing aids was also stated.

As the examination method free field speech audiometry was used based on Pruszewicz word tests and set of modified speech therapy tests TAPS II. Simple sentences, monosyllables and polysyllables words as well as logotoms perception and identification of music instruments sounds were estimated.

Progress of speech intelligibility in monosyllables test according to Pruszewicz in free field speech audiometry was stated, as well as better understanding of sentences, monosyllables and polysyllables words, and more precise recognition of music instruments sounds.

In many sensory-neural profound hearing losses as well as auditory neuropathy cases good results may be obtained by cochlear implantation. Early diagnosis of auditory neuropathy is important because of proper management. Lack of benefit from hearing aids in such cases seems to be indication to cochlear implantation. In described case cochlear implantation improved hearing perception one year after using speech processor.