Determinants influencing variability in outcomes of prelingual cochlear implantation

To identify factors affecting cochlear implantation (CI) outcomes in pre-lingual deaf children, focusing on language development.

A cross-sectional study of 106 pre-lingual deaf children who received unilateral CI was conducted to analyse factors influencing their language and speech outcomes.

The average age of participating children was 83 ± 31.6 months; 53.8% were male, and 36.8% attended regular school programs. Most parents had higher education (64.2% of fathers, 55.7% of mothers), and 58.5% belonged to a low socioeconomic level. Hearing loss diagnosis was delayed: 37.7% were diagnosed at 6-12 months, 24.5% at 12-24 months, with an average auditory deprivation of 18.6 ± 13.3 months. Average CI age was 41.9 ± 14.2 months; 40.1% had consanguineous parents. Language outcomes were positively associated with speech after hearing aid use and negatively with longer auditory deprivation. Parent education, socioeconomic status, age of deafness, and family history were not significantly linked to language improvement. Children undergoing ≥3 years of post-implant rehabilitation showed greater language development than those with ≤3 years.

CI leads to a statistically significant improvement in language quotient over time, and key factors affecting outcomes include prior speech after hearing aid use, length of auditory deprivation, and ongoing CI usage. The study highlights the need for culturally adapted parental counselling protocols and increased awareness through comprehensive information.