Follow up of cochlear implanted handicapped children

Abstract

Objective: To document progress and benefit of multi-handicapped children using cochlear implants.

Design: The evaluation of auditory responses to speech (EARS) test battery was performed on the children in this study at regular intervals following implantation. All children went through individually tailored intensive audiological rehabilitation programs following cochlear implantation.

Results: Individual results from ten multi-handicapped children receiving cochlear implants are presented in this paper. The majority of children in this study are successful implant users. Whenever possible, test scores are included as well as subjective case reports.

Conclusion: Providing multi-handicapped children with cochlear implants can result in substantial benefit for both the child and parents. Multi-handicapped children are not contraindicated for cochlear implantation, although not all are considered to be good candidates.