Abstract: Objective To investigate whether cochlear implantation(CI)in combination with hearing aids influences tone recognition and to discuss whether factors such as the cochlear boot time, rehabilitation training time, and learning abilities of deaf children influence tone recognition. Methods A total of 27 children aged 3-7 years were enrolled in this study. The verbal auditory response assessment of the enclosed tone test was used as testing material. Patients with CI alone and those with CI + hearing aids(CIHA)underwent examination in quiet or noisy environments, respectively. Results The voice test scores of the CIHA group were superior to those of the CI group, in both quiet and noisy environments, albeit more significant in the latter environment. The cochlear boot time, rehabilitation training time, and tone of voice were directly proportional to the test scores; deaf childrens learning abilities presented no relation with the voice test scores. Conclusion We propose that deaf children use optimized hearing aids after CI.

Key words: Cochlear implantation, Child, Cochlear implantation in combination with hearing aid, Tone recognition