Auditory, Speech, and Language Outcomes in Paediatric Auditory Brainstem Implant Users: an Indian Experience

Abstract

Auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) can provide auditory stimulationin cases where cochlear implantation is contraindicated. The purposeof this study was to assess the development of auditory, speech, andlanguage skills of Indian paediatric ABI recipients. Five children betweenJanuary 2009 and April 2012, with ages ranging from 13 to 94 monthsreceived an auditory brainstem implant.The auditory, speech, andlanguage development of the participants were assessed using formaland informal assessment tools, at regular intervals up to 36 monthsafter activation of audio processor of the ABI. All these participantsattended post-operative auditory habilitation sessions.There was animprovement in all the participants in terms of auditory perception,speech intelligibility, and, receptive and expressive language scores overtime, although none achieved maximum scores on any test. Only threeparticipants were assessed beyond the 12-month interval. The develop-ment stagnated after the habilitation program ended. Informal assessment(AuSpLan) gave a detailed information regarding development of theparticipants in these three domains. Auditory brainstem implantationprovided access to sounds in environment and supported development ofauditory, speech, and language skills in paediatric recipients. Informalassessment tools provided a more nuanced and complete picture ofdevelopment than formal tests alone, and could be a valuable additionto the test batteries.The auditory habilitation professionals shouldconsider the skills and needs of an ABI recipient, prior to choosing anappropriate communication approach for habilitation. Further aspects tobe considered include extending the post-operative habilitation support forlonger duration and/or; developing an effective home-training program tomaximize benefit from an auditory brainstem implant