Cochlear implant outcomes in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Comparison with controls

The coincidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hearing loss in the children has adverse effects in speech, cognition, communication and motor development. This can influence cochlear implant (CI) outcomes negatively. The aim of this study was to compare auditory, language, speech, cognition, communication and motor outcomes between CI children with versus without ADHD.

Nineteen CI children with ADHD and twenty-three age and gender matched children without ADHD at the Shiraz CI center ranging in age from 37 to 60 months were participated in this cross-sectional study. The developmental quotient in auditory, receptive and expressive language, speech and cognition skills was evaluated through Newsha Developmental Scale. The Persian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to assess children's developmental status in fine and gross movements, communication, problem solving, and personal-social domains. A comparison of the results between two groups was made by the Mann-Whitney test.

CI children with ADHD had significantly lower Newsha developmental quotients in cases of auditory, receptive and expressive language, speech and cognition skills compared to the control group (P = 0.027 to <0.001). A significant difference was observed between children with and without ADHD in fine and gross movements, communication, problem solving, and personal-social domains of ASQ at 60 months (P = 0.029 to 0.003).

Children with ADHD showed decreased ability in auditory, language, speech, cognition, motor and communication skills following CI compared to children without ADHD. It can guide clinician to provide these children with more specific rehabilitation program to improve their skills.