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Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
912
Functional language performance outcomes on paediatric cochlear implant patients in Malawi
D Selwyn1, C H Raine1, H Peebles2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Bradford Teaching Hospital, Bradford, UK.
Cochlear Implants International
|March 12, 2026
Summary
Cochlear implantation in Malawi demonstrates significant functional language benefits for children with profound hearing loss. Parents and guardians report positive outcomes, even in low socio-economic settings, highlighting the effectiveness of this intervention.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Profound hearing loss in children can significantly impact language development.
- Cochlear implantation is a crucial intervention for restoring hearing and improving communication skills.
- Assessing functional language outcomes in diverse socio-economic settings is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional language performance of pediatric cochlear implant recipients in Malawi.
- To determine the perceived benefits of cochlear implantation in a low-resource environment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 16 pediatric cochlear implant patients in Malawi was assessed.
- Parental/guardian participation in the PEACH and BAPP questionnaires for 12 patients.
- Independent assessment for 4 adult patients.
Main Results:
- Patients demonstrated high scores on the PEACH scale (mean 50.63/52) and BAPP (16/16).
- Mean age of onset of deafness was 8.8 years; implantation occurred at a mean age of 10.6 years.
- No correlation found between age of implant and PEACH score.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation shows a strong perceived benefit for post-lingually deaf children in Malawi.
- The intervention is effective despite a very low socio-economic environment.
- This study underscores the positive impact of cochlear implants on functional language in resource-limited settings.
