Comparison of Auditory Perception Scores Following Unilateral Cochlear Implantation in Children From Different...

The study aimed to compare the auditory perception status of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds, specifically urban versus rural. It also examined the correlation between outcome measures and the frequency of auditory verbal therapy sessions attended, as well as the impact of continuous electric analog stimulation on the age of implantation.

A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 30 children who have received unilateral cochlear implantation in rural versus urban backgrounds. Revised category of auditory perception (CAP) scores and meaningful auditory-integration scale (MAIS) were compared at set time frequencies of pre-switch on, three months, six months, and nine months post-implantation between the two groups of implanted children.  Results: Revised CAP and MAIS scores showed improvement over time with auditory verbal therapy. Both groups of implantees showed better improvement irrespective of the background. The children implanted more than five years of age showed a significant improvement over time with continuous electric analog signals.  Conclusion: Intensive rehabilitation is essential for children who have received cochlear implantation in which their required needs are addressed individually and optimized for the best outcomes. The study shows that hearing from the implant can be improved and have meaning with the help of auditory verbal therapy for optimal frequency irrespective of the background to a notable extent.