Audiophonological results after cochlear implantation in 40 congenitally deaf patients: preliminary results

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors of audiophonolo gical results in cochlear implant in congenitally deaf patients. Between 19 91 and 1996. 40 congenitally deaf children underwent cochlear implantation in our department, at an average age of 7 years (median: 5 years). The resu lts of speech therapy were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 2 years and w ere classified according to four criteria: perception of sound, speech perc eption, speech production and the level of oral language. For each criterio n, a score was established ranging from zero to four. These scores were wei ghted according to age such that the results before and after implantation only reflected the changes related to the implantation. The prognostic fact ors for good results were: a good level of oral communication before implan tation, residual hearing, progressive deafness and implantation at a young age. On the other hand, poor prognostic factors were: the presence of behav ioral disorders and poor communication skills prior to implantation. Overal l, the major prognostic factor for a good outcome appeared to be the preope rative level of oral language, even if this was rudimentary. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.