Effect of Age on Outcome of Auditory Verbal Therapy in Cochlear Implantation

Abstract

Objective: 1. To assess the outcome of auditory verbal therapy in prelingually deaf children who underwent cochlear implantation. 2. To assess the effect of age at cochlear implantation on language development outcomes.

Materials and Methods: 40 post cochlear implantation patients implanted at P.D.U. medical college and hospital, Rajkot receiving auditory verbal therapy at regular intervals were studied for hearing and speech development. The children were divided into 2 groups- <4 years and 4-7 years of age at the time of implantation. All children were assesses by revised Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) and Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) at 6 months of auditory verbal therapy.

Results: Among the 40 patients, 18 were below 4 years of age and 22 children were above 4 years of age; 28 male and 12 female children were present. The average CAP scores in the <4 years group was 4.7 and the in 4-7 years group was 3.72. The average SIR scores in the <4 years group was 3.45 and the in 4-7 years group was 2.54. These observations were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: Statistically significant benefits are seen in hearing and speech abilities as well as in quality of life. Earlier the age of the child at time of implantation, better is the auditory and speech outcome. Only implantation will not suffice, but adequate and timely post implantation hearing and speech training can help patients make greatest use of their cochlear implantation.