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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
947
Prelingual deafness: Benefits from cochlear implants versus conventional hearing aids
Aline Gomes Bittencourt1, Ana Adelina Giantomassi Della Torre1, Ricardo Ferreira Bento2
1Neurotology Fellow - Department of Otolaryngology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
|May 21, 2015
Summary
Cochlear implants offer superior benefits over conventional hearing aids for prelingually deaf children with severe to profound hearing loss. These implants enhance speech perception and development more effectively than hearing aids alone.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Most hearing loss patients benefit from hearing aids.
- Cochlear implants may offer better outcomes for severe hearing loss when hearing aids are insufficient.
- Adequate cochlear reserve is necessary for hearing aid function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the benefits of cochlear implants versus conventional hearing aids in prelingually deaf individuals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Searched databases: SciELO, Cochrane, MEDLINE, LILACS-BIREME.
- Included 12 relevant studies (evidence strength B), comprising 7 prospective cohorts and 5 cross-sectional studies.
Main Results:
- Cochlear implants demonstrated superior outcomes in speech perception.
- Improved speech development was observed in prelingual children using cochlear implants.
- No studies with the highest evidence strength rating (A) were found.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implants are the optimal current solution for bilateral severe to profound hearing loss.
- They provide better speech perception and development results in prelingual children compared to hearing aids.
