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Na E, Toupin-April K, Olds J, Chen J, Fitzpatrick EM. Benefits and risks related to cochlear implantation for children with residual hearing: a systematic review. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:75-86. [PMID: 36524877 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2155879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to synthesise information concerning the potential benefits and risks related to cochlear implants (CIs) versus hearing aids (HAs) in children with residual hearing. DESIGN A systematic review of articles published from January 2003 to January 2019 was conducted. STUDY SAMPLE Our review included studies that compared the benefits and risks of CIs versus HAs in children (≤18 years old) with residual hearing. A total of 3265 citations were identified; 8 studies met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Children with CIs showed significantly better speech perception scores post-CI than pre-CI. There was limited evidence related to improvement in everyday auditory performance, and the results showed non-significant improvement in speech intelligibility. One study on social-emotional functioning suggested benefits from CIs. In four studies, 37.2% (16/43) of children showed loss of residual hearing and 14.0% (8/57) had discontinued or limited use of their device. CONCLUSIONS Children with CIs showed improvement in speech perception outcomes compared to those with HAs. However, due to the limited number of studies and information to guide decision-making related to other areas of development, it will be important to conduct further research of both benefits and risks of CIs in this specific population to facilitate decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjung Na
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Karine Toupin-April
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Janet Olds
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jianyong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Elizabeth M Fitzpatrick
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Lee SJ, Oh H, Shin KH, Park SM, Kim YK, Jung DH, Yang J, Chun Y, Kim MY, Han JH, Kim JA, Tran NT, Kim BJ, Choi BY. Early Postoperative Benefits in Receptive and Expressive Language Development After Cochlear Implantation Under 9 Months of Age in Comparison to Implantation at Later Ages. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 17:46-55. [PMID: 38326998 PMCID: PMC10933813 DOI: 10.21053/ceo.2024.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The recent expansion of eligibility for cochlear implantation (CI) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include infants as young as 9 months has reignited debates concerning the clinically appropriate cut-off age for pediatric CI. Our study compared the early postoperative trajectories of receptive and expressive language development in children who received CI before 9 months of age with those who received it between 9 and 12 months. This study involved a unique pediatric cohort with documented etiology, where the timing of CI was based on objective criteria and efforts were made to minimize the influence of parental socioeconomic status. METHODS A retrospective review of 98 pediatric implantees recruited at a tertiary referral center was conducted. The timing of CI was based on auditory and language criteria focused on the extent of delay corresponding to the bottom 1st percentile of language development among age-matched controls, with patients categorized into very early (CI at <9 months), early (CI at 9-12 months) and delayed (CI at 12-18 months) CI groups. Postoperative receptive/expressive language development was assessed using the Sequenced Language Scale for Infants receptive and expressive standardized scores and percentiles. RESULTS Only the very early CI group showed significant improvements in receptive language starting at 3 months post-CI, aligning with normal-hearing peers by 9 months and maintaining this level until age 2 years. During this period (<2 years), all improvements were more pronounced in receptive language than in expressive language. CONCLUSION CI before 9 months of age significantly improved receptive language development compared to later CI, with improvements sustained at least up to the age of 2. This study supports the consideration of earlier CI, beyond pediatric Food and Drug Administration labeling criteria (>9 months), in children with profound deafness who have a clear deafness etiology and language development delays (<1st percentile).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Jae Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Heonjeong Oh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyu Ha Shin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sung-Min Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yun Kyeong Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Do Hyun Jung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jiyeon Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yejun Chun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Min Young Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin Hee Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ju Ang Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ngoc-Trinh Tran
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Bong Jik Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Sejong, Korea
| | - Byung Yoon Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
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Honigman T, Cushing SL, Papsin BC, Waltzman S, Woodard J, Neumann S, Fitzgerald MB, Gordon KA. Safety and Early Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation of Nucleus Devices in Infants: A Multi-Centre Study. Trends Hear 2024; 28:23312165241261480. [PMID: 38887094 PMCID: PMC11185016 DOI: 10.1177/23312165241261480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This multi-center study examined the safety and effectiveness of cochlear implantation of children between 9 and 11 months of age. The intended impact was to support practice regarding candidacy assessment and prognostic counseling of pediatric cochlear implant candidates. Data in the clinical chart of children implanted at 9-11 months of age with Cochlear Ltd devices at five cochlear implant centers in the United States and Canada were included in analyses. The study included data from two cohorts implanted with one or two Nucleus devices during the periods of January 1, 2012-December 31, 2017 (Cohort 1, n = 83) or between January 1, 2018 and May 15, 2020 (Cohort 2, n = 50). Major adverse events (requiring another procedure/hospitalization) and minor adverse events (managed with medication alone or underwent an expected course of treatment that did not require surgery or hospitalization) out to 2 years post-implant were monitored and outcomes measured by audiometric thresholds and parent-reports on the IT-MAIS and LittlEARS questionnaires were collected. Results revealed 60 adverse events in 41 children and 227 ears implanted (26%) of which 14 major events occurred in 11 children; all were transitory and resolved. Improved hearing with cochlear implant use was shown in all outcome measures. Findings reveal that the procedure is safe for infants and that they show clear benefits of cochlear implantation including increased audibility and hearing development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Honigman
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Cushing
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Blake C. Papsin
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Waltzman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Woodard
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Matthew B. Fitzgerald
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Karen A. Gordon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Communication Disorders, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yang T, Fan X, Fan Y, Song W, Liu X, Wang J, Chen X. Co-Occurrence of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Congenital Heart Disease: Etiologies and Management. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:400-409. [PMID: 37254944 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The co-occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and congenital heart disease (CHD) is a rare condition with complex etiologies. The purpose of this study is to assess the etiologies, clinical features, and outcomes of cochlear implant (CI) in this patient population. STUDY DESIGN Case series and literature review. METHODS Clinical data of children who were diagnosed with SNHL and CHD and received CIs at a tertiary hospital from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A literature review was performed to identify patients with SNHL and CHD. FINDINGS Of the 382 children who underwent cochlear implantation at our center, eight (2.1%) were diagnosed with SNHL and CHD. A literature review identified 1525 patients from 254 studies; the database therefore consisted of 1533 patients. The most common genetic etiologies of co-occurring SNHL and CHD were CHARGE syndrome (36.3%), Turner syndrome (8.4%), 22q11.2 deletion (3.0%), Noonan syndrome (2.9%), and Down syndrome (2.5%), whereas the most common non-genetic etiologies were congenital rubella syndrome (22.9%) and SNHL after early cardiac surgery (5.5%). Most of the patients presented with congenital, bilateral, severe-profound SNHL requiring early rehabilitation. Of the 126 children who received CIs at a median age of 2.5 years, half showed delayed speech development at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Co-occurring SNHL and CHD is a rare condition with complex etiologies. Timely hearing intervention with long-term follow-up and proper timing of heart surgery is essential for these children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4, case series Laryngoscope, 134:400-409, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengyu Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmiao Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Patro A, Holder JT, Brown CL, DeFreese A, Virgin F, Perkins EL. Cochlear Implantation in Very Young Children With Single-Sided Deafness. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:1615-1623. [PMID: 37232481 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cochlear implants (CIs) for single-sided deafness (SSD) have only been approved for patients 5 years and older despite data supporting that younger children can also benefit from implantation. This study describes our institution's experience with CI for SSD in children 5 years and younger. STUDY DESIGN Case series with chart review. SETTING Tertiary referral center. METHODS A case series with chart review identified 19 patients up to age 5 years who underwent CI for SSD between 2014 and 2022. Baseline characteristics, perioperative complications, device usage, and speech outcomes were collected. RESULTS The median age at CI was 2.8 (range, 1.0-5.4) years, with 15 (79%) patients being below age 5 at implantation. Etiologies of hearing loss were idiopathic (n = 8), cytomegalovirus (n = 4), enlarged vestibular aqueduct (n = 3), hypoplastic cochlear nerve (n = 3), and meningitis (n = 1). The median preoperative pure-tone average was 90 (range, 75-120) and 20 (range, 5-35) dB eHL in the poor and better hearing ears, respectively. No patients had postoperative complications. Twelve patients achieved consistent device use (average, 9 h/d). Three of the seven who were not consistent users had hypoplastic cochlear nerves and/or developmental delays. The three patients with available preoperative and postoperative speech testing showed significant benefits, and five patients with available postoperative testing demonstrated speech recognition in the implanted ear when isolated from the better ear. CONCLUSION CI can safely be performed in younger children with SSD. Patients and families accept early implantation, as evidenced by consistent device use, and derive notable benefits in speech recognition. Candidacy can be broadened to include SSD patients under age five years, particularly individuals without hypoplastic cochlear nerves or developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Patro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jourdan T Holder
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christine L Brown
- Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrea DeFreese
- Department of Hearing and Speech Science, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Frank Virgin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Perkins
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Gordon KA, Papsin BC, Cushing SL. Long-term Language, Educational, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Adolescents After Childhood Cochlear Implantation. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:715-716. [PMID: 37382947 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Gordon
- Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Blake C Papsin
- Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon L Cushing
- Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wu SS, Sbeih F, Anne S, Cohen MS, Schwartz S, Liu YCC, Appachi S. Auditory Outcomes in Children Who Undergo Cochlear Implantation Before 12 Months of Age: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:210-220. [PMID: 36939587 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature to determine auditory outcomes of cochlear implantation in children ≤12 months old. DATA SOURCE PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 9/1/2021 using PRISMA guidelines. REVIEW METHODS Studies analyzing auditory outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI) in children ≤12 months of age were included. Non-English studies and case reports were excluded. Outcome measures included functional and objective auditory results. Two independent reviewers evaluated each abstract and article. Heterogeneity and bias across studies were evaluated. RESULTS Of 305 articles identified, 17 met inclusion criteria. There were 642 children ages 2 to 12 months at CI. The most common etiologies of hearing loss were congenital CMV, meningitis, idiopathic hearing loss, and GJB2 mutations and other genetic causes. All studies concluded that early CI was safe. Overall, outcomes improved following early CI: IT-MAIS (9 studies), LittlEARS (4 studies), PTA (3 studies), CAP (3 studies), GASP (3 studies), and LNT (3 studies). Nine studies compared outcomes to an older implantation group (>12 months); of these (n = 450 early CI, n = 1189 late CI), 8 studies showed earlier CI achieved comparable or better auditory outcomes than later implantation, whereas 1 study (n = 120) concluded no differences in speech perception improvement. CONCLUSION Auditory outcomes were overall improved in children ≤12 months old undergoing CI. Studies that compared early to late CI demonstrated similar or better auditory outcomes in early implantation group. Given the comparable safety profile and critical time period of speech and language acquisition, earlier CI should be considered for infants with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon S Wu
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Firas Sbeih
- Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Samantha Anne
- Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael S Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seth Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yi-Chun C Liu
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Swathi Appachi
- Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Spitzer ER, Waltzman SB. Cochlear implants: the effects of age on outcomes. Expert Rev Med Devices 2023; 20:1131-1141. [PMID: 37969071 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2023.2283619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cochlear implants (CIs) provide access to sound for children and adults who do not receive adequate benefit from hearing aids. Age at implantation is known to affect outcomes across the lifespan. AREAS COVERED The effects of age on CI outcomes are examined for infants, children, adolescents, and older adults. A variety of outcome measures are considered, including speech perception, language, cognition, and quality of life measures. EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY For those meeting candidacy criteria, CIs are beneficial at any age. In general, younger age is related to greater benefit when considering pre-lingual deafness. Other factors such as additional disabilities, may mitigate this effect. Post-lingually deafened adults demonstrate similar benefit regardless of age, though the oldest individuals (80+) may see smaller degrees of improvement from preoperative scores. Benefit can be measured in many ways, and the areas of greatest benefit may vary based on age: young children appear to see the greatest effects of age at implantation on language measures, whereas scores on cognitive measures appear to be most impacted for the oldest population. Future research should consider implantation at extreme ages (5-9 months or > 90 years), unconventional measures of CI benefit including qualitative assessments, and longitudinal designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Spitzer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan B Waltzman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Huber M. Cochlear implant-specific risks should be considered, when assessing the quality of life of children and adolescents with hearing loss and cochlear implants–not just cochlear implant-specific benefits–Perspective. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:985230. [DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.985230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) are electronic medical devices that enable hearing in cases where traditional hearing aids are of minimal or no use. Quality of life (QoL) studies of children and adolescents with a CI have so far focused on the CI-specific benefits. However, the CI-specific risks listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not yet been considered. From this list, medical and device-related complications, lifelong dependency on the implanted device, and neurosecurity risks (CI technology is an interface technology) may be particularly relevant for young CI users. Medical and device-related complications can cause physical discomfort (e.g., fever, pain), as well as functioning problems (e.g., in speech discrimination, social behavior, and mood). In the worst case, reimplantation is required. Clinical experience shows that these complications are perceived as a burden for young CI users. Furthermore, many young patients are worried about possible complications. Additionally, CIs can be at least a temporary burden when children, typically at the age of 8–9 years, realize that they need the CI for life, or when they become peer victims because of their CI. Concerning neurosecurity risks, it is still unknown how young CI recipients perceive them. In summary, CI-specific risks can be perceived as a burden by young CI users that impairs their QoL. Therefore, they should not be ignored. There is an urgent need for studies on this topic, which would not only be important for professionals and parents, but also for the design of CI-specific QoL instruments.
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Culbertson SR, Dillon MT, Richter ME, Brown KD, Anderson MR, Hancock SL, Park LR. Younger Age at Cochlear Implant Activation Results in Improved Auditory Skill Development for Children With Congenital Deafness. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:3539-3547. [PMID: 36001854 PMCID: PMC9913281 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The U.S. Food and Drug Administration indications for cochlear implantation in children is currently 9 months of age and older for children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Studies have shown that earlier activation of a cochlear implant (CI) can lead to better spoken language outcomes. As auditory skills are a precursor to the development of spoken language, this study was developed to investigate the influence of age at CI activation on auditory skill acquisition in young children. A secondary aim was to describe the auditory skills of children implanted prior to 9 months of age as compared to children with older ages of activation. METHOD Functional Listening Index (FLI) scores obtained during routine clinical visits were reviewed for 78 pediatric CI recipients with congenital bilateral profound hearing loss who were activated before 2 years of age. A linear mixed-effects model assessed the effect of age at CI activation on cumulative FLI scores over time. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between age at activation and chronological age at the time of evaluation, indicating that children with earlier access to sound achieved a greater number of auditory skills than those with later CI activations when measured at the same chronological age. Children activated before the age of 9 months approximated scores expected of children with typical hearing, whereas children activated between 9 and 24 months of age did not. CONCLUSIONS Younger age at CI activation is associated with increased auditory skills over time. Children who undergo cochlear implantation and CI activation before 9 months achieve more auditory skills by 4 years of age than children who are activated at later ages. These data suggest that reducing the approved age at cochlear implantation for children with congenital bilateral profound SNHL may support optimal auditory skill acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R. Culbertson
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Margaret T. Dillon
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Margaret E. Richter
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Kevin D. Brown
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Melissa R. Anderson
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Sandra L. Hancock
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Lisa R. Park
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Park LR, Gagnon EB, Brown KD. The Limitations of FDA Criteria: Inconsistencies with Clinical Practice, Findings, and Adult Criteria as a Barrier to Pediatric Implantation. Semin Hear 2021; 42:373-380. [PMID: 34912165 PMCID: PMC8660172 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Children require greater access to sound than adults as they are learning to communicate using hearing and spoken language. Yet when it comes to cochlear implant candidacy, currently approved Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for adults are much less restrictive than those for children, allowing for greater levels of residual hearing and aided speech recognition in adults. Cochlear implant guidelines for children have changed very little in the 30 years since cochlear implants have been approved for pediatrics, and this lack of change has proven to be a barrier to implantation. Using evidence-based practice, centers have been providing off-label implantation for children who fall outside of current FDA criteria, including children with more residual hearing, children with single-side deafness younger than 5 years, and infants with bilateral profound loss younger than 9 months. The purpose of this article is to outline how these restrictions impede access to implants for children and describe the evidence supporting cochlear implantation in children who fall outside of current criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Park
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Erika B Gagnon
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kevin D Brown
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina
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