Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2007 Mar;50(3):260-264.

Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in Four Children

• Kim LS
• Jang YS
• Heo SD
• Lee YM

Abstract

The benefits of bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) include better understanding of speech in noise and localization of sound sources. Following the improvement observed in adults, children were also included in the bilateral CIs program. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of bilateral CIs use on speech perception in quiet and in noise. Four children underwent testing from 9 to 18 months after activation of bilateral hearing. Speech perception tests in quiet and in noise (signal to noise ratio of +10 dB) were performed in all children with the first CI alone and bilaterally. Subjects showed varying degrees of improved performance on speech perception tests in quiet and in noise according to bilateral auditory experience. Bilateral CIs can offer a substantial benefit in speech perception in quiet and in noise. The extent of the advantage, however, may require a more prolonged period of adjustment and learning.

Keyword

Bilateral cochlear implants; Cochlear implants; Child; Speech perception; Noise

MeSH Terms

Adult
Child*
Cochlear Implantation*
Cochlear Implants*
Hearing
Humans
Learning
Noise
Speech Perception