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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Considerations for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients With Unilateral or Asymmetric Hearing Loss: Assessment,
Laura Greaver1, Hannah Eskridge2, Holly F B Teagle2
1Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Insights
Cochlear implantation is now an option for children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss. These nontraditional candidates show good outcomes with customized audiological management and habilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Hearing rehabilitation
Background:
- Cochlear implantation candidacy criteria are expanding.
- Traditionally, children with asymmetric hearing loss were not candidates.
Purpose of the Study:
- Present case studies of children with significant residual hearing in one ear undergoing cochlear implantation.
- Describe audiological management and habilitation outcomes for these nontraditional candidates.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 5 children with profound unilateral hearing loss and contralateral normal to mild-moderate hearing loss.
- Performed pre- and postoperative assessments with modified routines.
- Provided customized post-implant habilitation using various methods and technologies.
Main Results:
- All 5 children were consistent cochlear implant users.
- Speech recognition was demonstrated in the implanted ear when isolated from the better-hearing ear.
Conclusions:
- Children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss should be evaluated individually for cochlear implantation.
- Audiological management is similar to traditional recipients, but requires modified assessment and habilitation techniques to isolate the implanted ear.
Purpose:
The purpose of this clinical report is to present case studies of children who are nontraditional candidates for cochlear implantation because they have significant residual hearing in 1 ear and to describe outcomes and considerations for their audiological management and habilitation.
Method:
Case information is presented for 5 children with profound hearing loss in 1 ear and normal or mild-to-moderate hearing loss in the opposite ear and who have undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Pre- and postoperative assessments were performed per typical clinic routines with modifications described. Postimplant habilitation was customized for each recipient using a combination of traditional methods, newer technologies, and commercial materials.
Results:
The 5 children included in this report are consistent users of their cochlear implants and demonstrate speech recognition in the implanted ear when isolated from the better hearing ear.
Conclusions:
Candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation are evolving. Children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss who have traditionally not been considered candidates for cochlear implantation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Audiological management of these recipients is not vastly different compared with children who are traditional cochlear implant recipients. Assessment and habilitation techniques must be modified to isolate the implanted ear to obtain accurate results and to provide meaningful therapeutic intervention.
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