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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
Etiology of deafness in children cochlear implant candidates in Croatia
Petar Drvis1, Jakov Ajduk, Robert Trotić
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital "Sestre milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia. drvis@vip.hr
Insights
Identifying causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in Croatian pediatric cochlear implant candidates is crucial. A significant portion had identifiable causes like family history or inner ear malformations, aiding timely interventions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Audiology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) significantly impacts child development.
- Cochlear implantation is a vital intervention for eligible children.
- Understanding SNHL etiology in pediatric candidates is essential for targeted management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological factors of SNHL in children undergoing cochlear implant evaluation in Croatia.
- To identify common causes and contributing factors for SNHL in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 270 pediatric cochlear implant candidates (1997-2005).
- Comprehensive assessment including medical history, physical examination, audiologic evaluation, and temporal bone CT scans.
- Categorization of SNHL causes into genetic, perinatal, malformative, and unknown.
Main Results:
- A definite or probable cause for SNHL was identified in 58.9% of candidates.
- Family history of SNHL was present in 30.4% of cases.
- Inner ear malformations detected via CT scans occurred in 16.3% of candidates.
- Prematurity or complicated perinatal history was noted in 12.9% of cases.
- 41.1% of cases had no obvious cause identified.
Conclusions:
- Etiological investigation is successful in a majority of pediatric cochlear implant candidates.
- Identifying causes like genetic predisposition and inner ear malformations can inform prognosis and intervention.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the causes in the remaining 41.1% of cases.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to provide more information on the causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children cochlear implant candidates in Croatia. The retrospective study included 270 children candidates for cochlear implantation between January 1997 and January 2005 at our institution. The medical assessment of the candidates included the history, physical examination, radiologic evaluation of the temporal bone and audiologic assessment. A family history of SNHL had 82 (30.4%) candidates. The prematurity and/or complicated perinatal course was found in 35 (12.9%) of candidates. Computerized tomography (CT) scan analysis identified 44 (16.3%) candidates presenting with an inner ear malformation. Overall, a definite or probable cause of SNHL was identified in 58.9% of candidates and 41.1% had no obvious cause. The results of the study might give us better insight into the potential causes of SNHL and allow more timely intervention, allowing children with SNHL to reach their potential.
