The introduction of prognostic tools to evaluate rehabilitation progress in cochlear implant patients (CI patients) is of great importance. The authors attempted to verify whether the identified 35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene can serve as a valuable indicator for rehabilitation progress of CI patients. A group of 51 subjects was studied. Molecular analysis was based on the identification of 35delG in GJB2. Logopedic assessment was performed with a non-verbal test of seven sounds, evaluating detection, discrimination and identification of the sounds during the first, third and sixth months after implantation. Results indicated that patients with GJB2-related deafness (DFNB1)s achieve better results in rehabilitation, but only at the early stages of rehabilitation. Prolonged rehabilitation equalised differences, which, subsequently, excluded this marker as an indicator for rehabilitation evaluation.

The results of 5-years survival in our patients group are still unsatisfactory. The key lies probably on both side. The first the patients visited doctors still to late with significant advancement of the tumor and second we need better education, introduction of new technologies and shorter time for histological diagnosis and waiting list for post operative radiochemioterapy.

ABSTRACT

The laser surgery is an effective and non-invasive treatment of early glottic cancer but the strict follow-up regimen is demanded.