Factors of late pediatric cochlea implantation

Introduction In the treatment of children born deaf or with sever-to-profound hearing loss, the goal is cochlear implantation in the first year of life. However, there are always cases in which this goal is not achieved. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine factors responsible for delayed cochlear implantation.

Material and Methods All children not implanted within the 1st year of life (<10 years) between 2012 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study and evaluated with regard to factors leading to delayed implantation.

Results During the study period, 80 children did not receive a cochlea implant within the first year of life. In 41 (51%) cases the children were presented to our clinic after their first birthday. In 27 (34%) cases audiological reasons were decisive (11 children (14%) had single sided deafness, in 16 (20%) cases deafness did not exist at the time of birth (e.g. LVAS, meningitis). In 12 (15%) cases, parental indecision was the major reason for delay.

Conclusion Significant factors of late implantation include late identification of hearing loss and family indecision. Further monitoring is needed to ensure that everyone involved in the cochlear-implantation process acts promptly. Education of parents in this process has an essential role to play.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023