Abstract
Objectives: Since the first cochlear implantation in children over 15 years ago, there have been improvements in devices, surgical techniques, speech coding strategies, and rehabilitation matters. There also have been concerns—whether the cochlear implants are working stable and the benefit for the patients is constant over a long time. This study analyzes long-term results of our first implanted children.
Methods: We examined 16 children with prelingual deafness, who underwent cochlear implantation at our department from 1990 to 1993. The indication, perioperative complications, technical parameters, and speech test results as well as the psychosocial development over the whole time were analyzed. We recorded the quality of life by a questionnaire after a treatment and observation period of 10 to 13 years.
Results: The mean age of the children was 9 years at the date of operation. There were no perioperative complications recorded. Two patients do not use the cochlear implant any longer. 90% of the patients showed a continuous positive development in speech perception in the first 5 years. In 60% a stagnation in speech perception after 5 years was seen. 80% of all patients are very content with their cochlear implant after 10 years and would recommend the procedure to their children as well.
Conclusions: Our long-term results show a good reliability of the first cochlear implants and a benefit for patients with prelingual deafness. Cochlear implantation is feasible without any severe complications and leads to an increasing quality of life for these patients even in long-term observation.