Cochlear implant results in prelingual adults

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the speech perception and speech understanding of the prelingually deafened cochlear implant users. Methods: The study consisted of nine prelingually deafened adults implanted with Nucleus 24 M cochlear implant. Auditory performance was measured using a battery of closed and open set speech tests. Results: Although no closed set and open set speech recognition was possible before implantation, a significant improvement over time was found at the closed set speech tests for all the patients. Three patients demonstrated some improvement of open set speech performance. All except one reported subjective benefits and satisfaction from the implantation. Conclusion: Speech recognition evaluation is important but it is only one aspect in cochlear implant success criteria. In order to decide precisely about the benefits one can get from the implant, it may be useful to evaluate the patient in his/her daily activities, and his/her degree of incorporation in social life.