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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Factors impacting early cochlear implantation in Chinese children
Wei Li1,2, Chunfu Dai3,4, Huawei Li5,6
1Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
Insights
Newborn hearing screening (NHS) significantly impacts early cochlear implantation (CI) in Chinese children. Lack of NHS, rural living, and financial burdens delay CI, affecting quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
Background:
- Early cochlear implantation (CI) is crucial for language development in deaf children.
- Understanding factors influencing CI timing in China is essential for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors affecting early cochlear implantation (CI) in Chinese pediatric patients.
- To analyze the impact of newborn hearing screening (NHS) and socioeconomic factors on CI timing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 56 pediatric CI recipients.
- Parental interviews to gather data on influencing factors.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Main Results:
- The mean age at CI was 40.98 months (median 24 months).
- Newborn hearing screening (NHS) significantly influenced early CI (p < 0.05).
- Lack of NHS, rural residence, and financial burden were associated with delayed CI.
Conclusions:
- Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is a critical factor promoting early cochlear implantation (CI).
- Addressing financial and communication barriers, and improving rural access can enhance CI timeliness.
- Increased awareness of these factors can improve quality of life for deaf children.
Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the factors that impact early cochlear implantation (CI) in Chinese children. The charts of 56 pediatric cochlear implant recipients were retrospectively reviewed. Parental interviews were conducted to collect information regarding the factors that potentially impact early CI in Chinese children. The mean age at CI was 40.98 months, and the median age was 24 months. Thirty patients received an implant before 24 months of age, and the other 26 patients received the implant after 24 months of age. By univariate logistic regression analysis, newborn hearing screening (NHS), financial burden impacted early CI significantly (p < 0.05), while the multivariate analysis indicated that only NHS significantly influenced the early CI (p < 0.05). The following factors were associated with a moderately increased risk of late implantation: lack of NHS [odds ratio (OR) = 5.833], living in a rural community (OR = 2.714), and communication barriers (OR = 2.691). Living in a rural community, financial burden and communication barriers negatively impact the age at CI, whereas NHS positively influence the age at CI. Increased awareness of these factors could promote early CI and improve the quality of life of congenitally deaf children.
