J Korean Med Assoc.  2004 Dec;47(12):1205-1213. 10.5124/jkma.2004.47.12.1205.

Update on the Management for Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children

• Kim LS

• KMID: 2065216
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2004.47.12.1205

Abstract

Children with sensorineural hearing loss are managed with hearing aids or FM systems and also receive auditory and speech-language rehabilitation therapies when indicated. Children under auditory rehabilitation receive audiologic monitoring and language evaluations at 3-month intervals. Cochlear implants can be an option of choice for children aged 12 months or older with severe to profound hearing loss who show limited benefits from conventional amplifications. The cochlear implant is an electronic device that can provide auditory sensation to a person with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The cochlear implant bypasses the damaged organ of hearing and stimulates the auditory nerve directly. The cochlear implant consists of a surgically implanted component and an externally worn component. Before receiving an implant, each child is carefully evaluated by the cochlear implant team to determine if an implant is right for him or her. The parents and the child are provided with counseling and guidance about the implant systems available and what they can expect. As the criteria for cochlear implants expanding in children, an increasing number of children with severe malformation of the inner ear or multihandicapped children are being considered for cochlear implantation. Three to four weeks after the surgery, the child is evaluated for fitting of the external device. After the device has been properly fitted, the child continues to follow his or her training program to learn to use the new sound provided by the implant. The use of cochlear implants in children with hearing impairment is a safe and effective way to improve speech and language when the benefits from hearing aids are limited.

Keyword

Sensorineural hearing loss; Children; Hearing aid; Cochlear implant

MeSH Terms

Child*
Cochlear Implantation
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Nerve
Counseling
Ear, Inner
Education
Hearing
Hearing Aids
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural*
Humans
Parents
Rehabilitation
Sensation

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