Search

Introduction: Numerous studies have assessed the progress of children with profound hearing loss after cochlear implantation, and have demonstrated that cochlear implantation may provide beneficial inputs for improving speech perception. However the characteristics of the "lower" performers with cochlear implant have not been fully reviewed. Objectives: To identify characteristics associated with inability to progress to open-set speech recognition in children who are 3 years post cochlear implantation. Materials: A sample of 121 cochlear implant users who had implant surgery before age 5 and has been followed at Tokyo Medical University hospital was investigated. Methods: Outcome Measures: To evaluate speech perception outcomes, open-set word scores were measured using the Japanese CI-2004 word and sentence test. For the analysis, children with 3-year data were grouped according to whether or not they have achieved open-set speech recognition test. Statistical Analysis: Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the differences between open set group and no-open set group by categorical variables(unaided and aided pure-tone thresholds prior to implantation, age at onset of deafness, age at first reception of amplification, cognitive status, radiology of inner ear and internal auditory canal, and perinatal complications). Results: Lower cognitive status, less functional hearing prior to implantation, and inner ear or internal auditory canal malformation were associated with inability to obtain open set speech recognition by 3 years. Conclusions: Characteristics of a subpopulation of children with CIs that were associated with an inability to achieve open-set speech recognition after 3 years of CI experience were investigated. These data may predict the risk for poor auditory development after cochlear implantation and support the recipients to make decision of cochlear implanatation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]