Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
[Cochlear implantation in children]
Jona Kronenberg1, Minka Hildesheimer, Rikey Taitelbaum-Swead
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sheba Medical Center affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. kro@smile.net.il
Insights
Pediatric cochlear implants significantly improve hearing in children, especially when done early and with prior hearing aid use. Complications and device failures are minimal and decreasing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric audiology
- Biomedical engineering
Context:
- The Sheba Medical Center initiated its cochlear implant program in 1989 and a dedicated pediatric program in 1990.
- This study analyzes outcomes for 286 pediatric patients who underwent cochlear implantation between 1990 and 2005.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of cochlear implantation in children.
- To identify factors influencing hearing outcome and device performance in pediatric cochlear implant recipients.
Summary:
- Cochlear implantation demonstrated significant improvements in hearing ability, facilitating integration into regular educational programs.
- Optimal outcomes were observed in children implanted at a younger age and those with prior hearing aid experience.
- Post-operative complications were infrequent, comparable to literature, with a decreasing trend in device failures due to technological advancements.
Impact:
- Cochlear implantation is a life-changing intervention for pediatric hearing loss, enhancing communication and educational opportunities.
- The findings support early intervention and provide valuable data on the long-term success of pediatric cochlear implant programs.
- Ongoing improvements in device technology contribute to enhanced reliability and reduced failure rates in pediatric cochlear implants.
Abstract:
The pediatric cochlear implant program was launched in our department in 1990. A year earlier, we began the cochlear implant program in our center. Cochlear implant surgery changed the life of implanted children by enabling integration into the regular education program. The experience of the Sheba Medical Center is presented in 286 children who were operated on between the years 1990-2005. Hearing results were examined using questionnaires and designated audiology tests. Improvement in the hearing ability of implanted children was noted, especially in those who underwent implantations in their first years of life and in those who had previous experience using hearing aids. Post-operative complications were scanty and similar to those reported in the literature. The incidence of device failure is decreasing over the years due to production improvement. The frequency of electronic failure was found to be similar to those described in the literature.
