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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Voice Parameters in Children With Cochlear Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Andrea Frosolini1, Francesco Fantin2, Isabella Tundo3
1Department of Neuroscience DNS, Audiology Unit at Treviso Hospital, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy; Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Pediatric cochlear implant (CI) users show higher fundamental frequency (F0) voice parameters compared to normal hearing peers. Voice noise parameters were not significantly different, highlighting the need for further prosody research and acoustic analysis in CI rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- An intact auditory system is crucial for voice and speech development.
- Hearing loss impacts speech production mechanisms.
- Previous reviews suggest fundamental frequency (F0) is key for adult cochlear implant (CI) users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze vocal and prosodic alterations in pediatric CI users.
- To compare spectro-acoustic voice parameters between pediatric CI users and normal-hearing children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search on PubMed and Scopus (2005-2022).
- Meta-analysis comparing voice acoustic parameters in CI users and controls.
- Used standardized mean difference (SMD) with a random-effects model.
Main Results:
- 20 articles included; 11 in meta-analysis for F0.
- Pediatric CI users exhibited significantly higher F0 values (SMD = 0.3033, P=0.0144).
- Trends towards higher Jitter and Shimmer were observed but not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric CI users have higher F0 compared to controls; voice noise parameters are similar.
- Prosodic aspects require further investigation.
- Vocal acoustic analysis is valuable for CI patient evaluation and rehabilitation.
