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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Functional outcome of sequential bilateral cochlear implantation in young children: 36 months postoperative results
Fanny Wilhelmina Adriana Cornelia Scherf1, Lieselot van Deun, Astrid van Wieringen
1University Department ORL, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp University, Edegem, Belgium. Fanny.Scherf@uza.be
Insights
Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) significantly improves communication and quality of life for young children. Benefits include better speech intelligibility and social integration, especially for younger recipients.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) is increasingly common for pediatric hearing loss.
- Understanding the long-term benefits of sequential bilateral CI is crucial for optimizing outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of sequential bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) on young children's communication and quality of life.
- To assess outcomes at 36 months post-activation of the second implant.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 35 children implanted sequentially.
- Outcome measures included Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR), communication mode, classroom placement, and parent-reported data.
- Analysis stratified by age at second CI (younger/older than 6 years).
Main Results:
- Younger children (<6 years) showed significant gains: 80% in mainstream schools, fully comprehensible speech, and 70% used the telephone.
- Older children (>6 years) had varied results, with <50% achieving top scores on SIR/CAP, though 70% integrated into mainstream schools using oral communication.
- Parents universally reported more natural communication and improved quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Sequential bilateral CI provides substantial participation benefits for children with hearing loss.
- This approach enhances social interaction and integration into the hearing environment.
Objective:
To examine the effects of sequential bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) on the life of young children after 36 months of bilateral implant use.
Method:
Thirty-five children were assessed prior to and 3 until 36 months after activation of the second CI. Main outcome measures were: the Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR), communication mode, classroom placement, parent reports and the Würzburg questionnaire. Results were analysed separately for children younger and older than 6 years at the time of the second implantation.
Results:
At the 3-year test interval, 80% of the younger children attended mainstream schools and were comprehensible for all listeners. They all used oral communication and almost 70% of them could have a conversation over the telephone. After 3 years of bilateral implant use less than 50% of the older children obtained the highest score on the SIR and CAP. Approximately 70% of them was integrated in mainstream schools and used oral communication. All parents reported a more natural communication and an improved quality of life.
Conclusions:
Sequential bilateral implantation seems to offer a wide range of participation benefits to all children and facilitates the social intercourse with their hearing environment.