Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1686383
Cochlear implantation in children with hypo- and aplasia of the auditory nerve
Introduction:
The diagnostic and therapeutic management of children with hypo- (HH) or aplasia (HA) of the auditory nerve confronts the treating center with a challenging task.
Methods:
Focusing on HH or HA, we performed a retrospective examination of all children ≤6 years, who received a cochlear implant (CI) preexamination including imaging (CT scan of the temporal bone/cranial MRI scan) in the period from 01/2011 to 07/2018 (n = 296). The findings, the medical treatment recommendation and the measures implemented for hearing rehabilitation were evaluated.
Results:
28 patients (9.5%) had the findings of HH (n = 21) or HA (n = 7). Twenty-five patients (89.3%) presented due to conspicuous neonatal hearing screening (NHS), 1 patient (3.6%) for performing a NHS and 2 patients (7.1%) presented due to deficient language development. In each of the 28 patients, the option of cochlear implantation was discussed and considered. In 16 patients (57.1%) the decision against cochlear implantation was made after a differentiated counseling, whereby 11 of these patients (39.3%) were provided with a hearing aid. In 7 patients (25.0%), the parents asked for time to think and did not return. Of the 28 patients (17.9%), 5 were finally implanted, with 80% demonstrating good acceptance of the implant.
Conclusion:
Cochlear implantation may be recommended in children with HH/HA in selected cases. However, acceptance and benefit are highly dependent on factors such as comorbidity, family environment and ability to rehabilitate. Differentiated preoperative evaluation and consultation is therefore of crucial importance.
#
Publication History
Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)
© 2019. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York