Update: Auditory Brainstem Implant Outcomes In Children

Objective This study illustrates the auditory perceptual development and the non-verbal cognitive abilities in young deaf children fitted with auditory brainstem implant (ABI). Methods In our department, from 2000 to 2008, 31 children, aged 9 months to 16 years, received an ABI for different tumor and non-tumor diseases. Six children have elsewhere previously had a CI with no sound detection. 14 out of 31 children had associated disabilities. The retrosigmoid-transmeatal approach was used in tumor patients and the retrosigmoid approach was used in non-tumor patients. Perceptual auditory abilities were evaluated with the CAP and EARS battery tests. Cognitive evaluation was performed on 10 children using the Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised (LEITERS-R) test battery. Intraoperative EABRs and postoperative EABRs and EMLRs were performed. Results No postoperative complications were observed. All children consistently use their devices for more than 75% of waking hours and have environmental sound awareness. Their CAP scores ranged from 2 to 7 (average: 4); at MAIS they scored 2%–98.5% (average: 39%); MUSS scores ranged from 5% to 100% (average: 51%) and LIP scores from 5% to 100% (average: 46%). Scores on 2 of the 4 subtests considered for cognitive evaluation in this study increased significantly (from 2 to 10; p>0.01) during the first year of ABI use in all 10 children. Conclusions The findings of the present study indicate that children with cochlear or cochlear nerve abnormalities, with or without associated cognitive deficits, should not be excluded from ABI implantation.