PP812 - Variables Affecting Cochlear Implant Outcome in Children in a Developing Country

Abstract:
Evaluation of cochlear implant (CI) outcome and the variables affecting it is very important issue since adequate hearing is linked to improved communication outcomes and school performance.

Method: This retrospective study was conducted on 59 CI recipients in Egypt. Variables affecting the outcome were studied such as: child location, age at implantation, family support and education, presence of cochlear anomalies, regular follow up and speech therapy. Results showed that increase duration of implant experience, regular speech therapy and good family support are essential factors for good outcome. Non educated parents and living in rural areas do not prevent good outcome.

Summary:
It is impossible to overstate the medical and social impact of cochlear implant (CI). It offers to the prelingualy children and postlingualy adults with severe to profound hearing loss the opportunity to reenter the hearing and social world. In addition, it opens the door for children to integrate into the mainstream education system. Evaluation of the CI outcome and the variables affecting it is very important issue since adequate hearing is linked to improved communication outcomes and school performance.

Method: This retrospective study was conducted on 59 cochlear implant recipients. Their age at time of evaluation ranged from 5 to 15 years old. hey were implanted in the period from 2014: 2020 at Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. Cochlear implant outcomes were assessed through studying the aided hearing level, speech perception in quit and noise, neural response telemetry, aided cortical evoked potentials and Questionnaires. Different variables that may affect the outcome were studied such as: child location, age at implantation, family support and education, presence of cochlear anomalies, regular follow up and speech therapy.

Results showed that increase duration of implant experience, regular and increased duration of speech therapy and good family support are essential factors that are linked to good CI outcome in children. In contrast, increased problems of the device and so its irregular use has significant negative effect on outcome.

Non educated parents and living in rural areas do not prevent good outcome as long as the family is motivated, the child uses the device regularly and receive regular speech therapy.

Younger age of implantation is associated with good outcome, however children ≥ 4 years also can have good outcome with good family support and regular speech therapy.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
Increased duration of implant experience, regular speech therapy and good family support are essential factors that are linked to good cochlear outcome. Non educated parents and living in rural areas do not prevent good outcome as long as the family is motivated and the child uses the device regularly.