Effective musical training protocols for the rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants: A systematic review

This study aimed to determine which musical training protocols are effective for the rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants. The analysis focused on identifying the specific components and characteristics of successful interventions. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to substantial heterogeneity in study methods, outcome measures, and intervention designs.

This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023434046). Searches were performed without restrictions on date or language. Studies involving children up to 12 years old with sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral or bilateral cochlear implant users, and exposed to some form of musical training as an intervention were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed studies involving participants older than 12 years or those not evaluating the effects of musical training.

A total of 1876 studies were identified across the searched databases. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 27 studies were selected for full-text assessment. Following qualitative analysis, 21 studies were excluded for not meeting the established criteria, resulting in six studies included in this review.

This systematic review highlights the potential of active musical training programs, grounded in the musical learning process, as effective interventions for auditory rehabilitation in children with cochlear implants.