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Sensory-processing disorder in children with cochlear implants

Sneha V Bharadwaj1, Linda L Daniel, Patricia L Matzke

  • 1University of Texas at Dallas, Callier Center for Communication Disorders, 811 Synergy Park Boulevard, Richardson, TX 75080, USA. snehab@utdallas.edu

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy : Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association
|May 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Children with cochlear implants may exhibit sensory processing disorder (SPD). This study found many children with implants showed atypical sensory behaviors, regardless of hearing loss or implant duration.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric audiology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Sensory processing

Background:

  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects children's ability to process sensory information.
  • Cochlear implants (CIs) are vital for hearing restoration in children.
  • The impact of CIs on sensory processing requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of SPD in children with CIs.
  • To explore the relationship between SPD and duration of hearing loss or CI use.
  • To identify potential needs for occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Caregiver-completed Sensory Profile Questionnaire (SPQ) for 30 children.
  • Postrotary Nystagmus (PRN) testing on a subset.
  • Miller's Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) on a subset.

Main Results:

  • 70% of children displayed "at-risk" or "different" sensory behaviors across auditory, visual, vestibular, tactile, and oral domains.
  • No significant correlation found between hearing loss/CI duration and SPD behaviors.
  • Atypical PRN observed in all tested children; atypical sensory processing in 4/6 on MAP.

Conclusions:

  • Children with cochlear implants may be at increased risk for sensory processing disorder.
  • Findings support the need for occupational therapy referrals for children with CIs.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing SPD in this population.

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