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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Developmental delay and outcomes in paediatric cochlear implantation: implications for candidacy
Lindsey C Edwards1, Ruth Frost, Fiona Witham
1Cochlear Implant Programme, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom. Edwarl@gosh.nhs.uk <Edwarl@gosh.nhs.uk>
Summary
Developmental delay in young pediatric cochlear implant candidates predicts speech outcomes. Mild delays allow progress, but significant delays indicate poorer results, emphasizing the need for developmental assessments in candidacy decisions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Developmental pediatrics
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Cochlear implant candidacy criteria for children are expanding.
- Children with additional developmental challenges are increasingly considered.
- Understanding the impact of developmental delay on cochlear implant outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between developmental delay and cochlear implant outcomes in young children.
- To identify predictors of speech perception and intelligibility in pediatric cochlear implant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 32 children (1.2-2.8 years old) undergoing cochlear implantation.
- Pre-implant assessment using Schedule of Growing Skills II and IT-MAIS.
- Post-implant monitoring of speech perception (E2L toy test) and intelligibility (SIR) at 1 and 2 years.
Main Results:
- General development and cognitive functioning were the strongest predictors of speech outcomes.
- These developmental measures accounted for approximately 40% of the variance in speech perception and intelligibility.
- Age at switch-on and pre-implant aided hearing loss were not significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Routine developmental assessment is valuable for pediatric cochlear implant candidacy.
- Significant developmental delay predicts poorer outcomes, while mild delays show potential for progress.
- Developmental assessment aids in candidacy decisions and parental counseling regarding cochlear implant benefits.