Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Cochlear implants have considerably improved speech and language outcomes in children with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss. The present study was conducted to assess outcome of cochlear implant in children. Materials & Methods: 64 children with hearing loss of both genders were given cochlear implant. Open-set word scores, listening progress profile score and auditory performance score were evaluated pre- operatively, after 6 months and 12 months. Results: The mean age of patients was 7.4 years. Pre-implant hearing aid experience was 5.8 years. The duration of implant use was 4.5 years. The mean pure-tone-average in implanted ear was – 97.5 dB HL and in non-implanted ear was – 91.1 dB HL. Open-set word scores pre- operatively was 4 at 6 months was 6 and at 12 months was 9, listening progress profile score pre- operatively was 1, at 6 months was 24 and at 12 months was 40. Auditory performance score pre- operatively was 0, at 6 months was 3 and at 12 months was 6. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There was significant improvement in hearing in children who received cochlear implants.