In recent years, the House single-electrode cochlear implant has proven to be a clinically feasible prosthesis for profoundly deaf adults. Based on these findings, the decision was made to begin implanting those children who could not benefit from hearing aids. As of August 1982, 23 profoundly deaf children (ranging in age from 3.4 to 17.5 yrs) have received the cochlear implant. The majority were deafened by meningitis. Results to date indicate that children demonstrate sound field thresholds and receive timing/intensity information comparable to that of adult implant patients. Results have been extremely encouraging, but only long-term experience will determine the ultimate benefit of the implant in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A psychological evaluation of cochlear implants in children.

Psychological evaluation is performed both pre- and postimplant as part of the children's cochlear implant program. The purposes are to select appropriate candidates and to study changes over time that may result from the implant. The children in this sample were of above average intelligence as a group, but demonstrated perceptual motor lags and academic underachievement consistent with previous findings for deaf children. Six-month postimplant results show significant improvements in perceptual motor skills, cognitive performance, and academic achievement. Some of these improvements may be the result of a reduction in distractibility and short attention span that was noted for a number of children after implantation. A hypothesis is presented that may explain how the cochlear implant affects this behavior.

Achievement↗