Cochlear implantation: a review of the literature and the Nijmegen results

Abstract

The field of cochlear implantation is developing rapidly. In subjects with bilateral profound deafness who gain no benefit from conventional hearing aids the aim of cochlear implantation is to provide a means for them to receive auditory sensations. Throughout the world, most cochlear implant centres are still continuing their research efforts to improve the results with this technique. Although it is still difficult to predict how an individual will perform with a cochlear implant, the success of cochlear implantation can no longer be denied. In this paper, we review some recent papers and reports, and the results of the various Nijmegen cochlear implant studies. Data about subject selection, examinations, surgery and the outcome are discussed. Our results were in good agreement with those of other authors. It can be concluded once again that cochlear implantation is an effective treatment for postlingually deaf adults and children, and for prelingually (congenital or acquired) deaf children with profound bilateral sensorineural deafness.

Auditory cortical activation and speech perception in cochlear implant users: Effects of implant experience and duration of deafness

“…The majority of patients implanted obtain satisfactory results, but implant performance varies widely from simple noise detection to full comprehension of speech (Gibson et al, 2000;Makhdoum et al, 1997;van Dijk et al, 1999).…”

“…Previous studies have attempted to identify factors predicting implant performance, (Blamey et al, 1996;Deguine et al, 1993;Gantz et al, 1993;Makhdoum et al, 1997) but a clear pattern has not yet emerged. Duration of deafness prior to implantation is known to negatively inXuence outcome: the longer the period of deafness the more likely there is to be a poorer result from implantation.…”

Cochlear Implant Benefits in Deafness Rehabilitation: PET Study of Temporal Voice Activations

“…Most patients are able to use this new artificial code, and the social and the medical prognosis of profound deafness is now notably improved. Nevertheless, cochlear implantation performance varies widely from simple noise detection to full comprehension of speech (3)(4)(5). Many factors-including duration of deafness, age at implantation, mode of communication, duration of device use, and coding strategy-are suggested to interact with cortical map organization and to influence the final results (6-10).…”

How is the Children's Implant Profile used in the Cochlear Implant Candidacy Process?

“…Since its first clinical application in the pediatric population, significant improvements have been made to the device, with great impact in speech production and perception outcomes. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves cochlear implantation for: children 12 months of age and older with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss, and limited benefit from appropriate binaural hearing aids [5,6]. Limited benefit in children is defined as absence of progress in the development of auditory skills or scores less than 30% in sentence recognition tests in the best-aided listening condition [6].…”