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Published on: March 24, 2023
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Cortical volumetric changes after cochlear implantation in postlingually deaf adults: correlation with speech
Yun Ji Lee1, Hwon Heo2, Hye Ah Joo1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Scientific Reports
|July 30, 2024
Summary
Cochlear implantation (CI) in adults with hearing loss may lead to brain structural changes. Specifically, the left CI group showed increased volumes in the superior frontal and temporal gyri, correlating with better speech perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cochlear implantation (CI) is a treatment for severe to profound hearing loss.
- Understanding the neuroplasticity following CI is crucial for optimizing auditory rehabilitation.
- Previous studies have not longitudinally assessed brain volumetric changes after CI using advanced MRI techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze volumetric brain MRI changes after unilateral cochlear implantation in postlingually deaf adults.
- To investigate the relationship between these structural changes and speech perception outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 16 postlingually deaf adults receiving unilateral CI.
- Volumetric T1-weighted MRI scans acquired pre- and one-year post-CI.
- Novel image reconstruction method to address CI artifact, enabling FreeSurfer analysis.
- Longitudinal analysis using linear mixed-effect models and within-subject template estimation.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in superior frontal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus (STG) volumes observed in the left CI group's contralateral hemisphere.
- A positive correlation between STG volume and word recognition scores post-CI was found in both groups.
- This is the first study to report longitudinal brain volumetry using post-CI MRI scans.
Conclusions:
- CI is associated with structural restoration in central auditory pathways.
- Auditory performance improvements after CI correlate with volumetric changes in auditory brain regions.
- Findings suggest CI-induced neuroplasticity contributes to enhanced speech perception.
