ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the auditory functions and progress of speech development in children with and without cochlear anomalies who underwent cochlear implantation due to prelingual profound sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL]
Methods: This study was conducted at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Ear-Nose-Throat Department, between October 2006 and December 2007. A total of 69 children [aged 6 to 24 months] diagnosed with profound SNHL were included. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to the presence of inner ear anomalies: Group-1 consisted of 41 children without inner ear anomaly, whereas Group-2 was composed of 28 patients with inner ear anomalies. The auditory performance was assessed using Listening Progress Profile Test [LPPT] and Monosyllabic Trochee Polysyllabic Test [MTP], the subsections of Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech [EARS] test battery
Results: Preoperative LPPT scores were 5 [12%] in both groups. Mean LPPT values after fitting in Group-1 and Group-2 on 1st, 3rd and 6th months were 18.5 [44.1%] and 19 [45.6%]; 27 [64.2%] and 28 [67.3%]; 31 [75%] and 34 [83%], respectively. Postoperatively, MTP scores in Group-1 and Group-2 were 7.5 [62%] and 7.7 [64%] for 3-words set; 10.4 [58%] and 10.6 [59%] for 6-words set; 14.3 [60%] and 14 [59%] for 12-words set, respectively. The rate of stimulation for electrodes was 1345 q/u [quick/unit] in Group-1 and 1310 q/u in Group-2. No statistically significant difference was detected between groups for variables under investigation
Conclusion: Cochlear implantation is an effective treatment in children with prelingual profound SNHL. Auditory performance and advancement of speech are similar for children with and without inner ear anomalies