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Multichannel cochlear implantation in children: a summary of current work at the University of Melbourne
R C Dowell1, P W Dawson, S J Dettman
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia.
Insights
Multichannel cochlear implantation in children shows promising results for speech perception. Special considerations are needed for implants in children under two years old.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is a vital intervention for pediatric hearing loss.
- Research at the University of Melbourne focuses on multichannel cochlear implants in children.
- Safety and efficacy in young pediatric populations require ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize research on multichannel cochlear implantation in children.
- To discuss safety studies for implanting very young children.
- To assess clinical outcomes in implanted children and adolescents, and explore predictive factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of ongoing safety studies for pediatric cochlear implantation.
- Clinical assessment of speech perception, production, and language development in implanted children.
- Presentation of preliminary data on young children's speech perception outcomes.
- Evaluation of new speech processing hardware and coding schemes in adults.
Main Results:
- Special design considerations are necessary for cochlear prostheses in children under two years.
- Young children can achieve open-set speech perception with cochlear implants, given adequate support.
- New speech processing systems show potential for improved speech perception in both quiet and noisy environments for adults.
Conclusions:
- Multichannel cochlear implantation is effective in pediatric populations.
- Early implantation and tailored approaches are crucial for optimal outcomes in young children.
- Advancements in speech processing offer enhanced auditory rehabilitation for cochlear implant users.
Abstract:
This paper summarizes research work relating to multichannel cochlear implantation in children at the University of Melbourne. Ongoing safety studies relating to the implantation of young children are discussed. Results of these studies suggest that special design considerations are necessary for a prosthesis to be implanted in children under the age of 2 years. Results of clinical assessment of implanted children and adolescents are also discussed in terms of speech perception, speech production, and language development, and some possible predictive factors are suggested. Preliminary data suggests that a high proportion of young children can achieve open-set speech perception with the cochlear implant given appropriate training and support. Initial results with adults using new speech processing hardware and a new coding scheme are also presented. These suggest that improved speech perception in quiet and competing noise is possible with the new system.