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Published on: January 9, 2019
Cochlear implantation in deafblind patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Ahmed Sobhy1, Tawfiq Khurayzi2, Ahmed Nazmy3
1Faculty of Medicine, Kafr El-Shiekh University, Kafr El-Shiekh, Egypt. ahmedsobhy7900@gmail.com.
Summary
Cochlear implantation significantly improves speech and communication for deafblind individuals. While verbal skills advance, telephone communication remains a challenge, highlighting the need for ongoing rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Audiology and Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cochlear implantation (CI) was historically limited for deafblind individuals due to outcome concerns.
- Advancements in CI technology and rehabilitation have expanded candidacy.
- Outcomes of CI in deafblind populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on cochlear implantation outcomes in deafblind individuals.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of CI in improving communication abilities.
- To identify factors influencing CI success in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library).
- Inclusion of adult and pediatric patients with dual sensory impairment post-CI.
- Primary outcomes: speech clarity (SIR), verbal communication, telephone competence; secondary outcomes: audiological, developmental, educational, psychological benefits.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 36 studies with 491 deafblind patients.
- Pooled mean Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) score of 3.45.
- Verbal communication achieved in 70% of patients; telephone competence in 51%.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation is effective for deafblind individuals, enhancing speech intelligibility and verbal communication.
- Outcomes are consistent across different etiologies (Usher vs. non-Usher).
- Continued multidisciplinary rehabilitation is crucial for improving advanced auditory skills like telephone competence.
