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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Adapting to bilateral cochlear implants: early post-operative device use by children receiving sequential or
Karyn Louise Galvin1, Kathryn Clare Hughes
1Audiology, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne, Australia. kgalvin@unimelb.edu.au
Cochlear Implants International
|February 16, 2012
Summary
Most young children adapt well to bilateral cochlear implants, achieving full-time use within two months. Monitoring device use is crucial, especially for those facing adaptation challenges with cochlear implants.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
Background:
- Bilateral cochlear implantation (BCI) in young children is increasingly common.
- Understanding adaptation patterns is key to maximizing device benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify adaptation difficulties in young bilateral cochlear implant recipients.
- To identify factors influencing BCI adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Classified 46 children (≤3.5 years) based on BCI use at 2 months post-activation.
- Follow-up data collected at 12 months.
Main Results:
- 95% of simultaneous and 70% of sequential recipients achieved full-time BCI use within 2 months.
- Most children maintained full-time use at 12 months.
- Adaptation difficulties were weakly/modestly related to age at implantation and time between implants.
Conclusions:
- Full-time BCI use is achievable for most young children.
- Monitoring device usage is essential for identifying and supporting children with adaptation challenges.
- Pre-operative counseling should address potential adaptation difficulties and influencing factors.