Abstract:

Objective〓〖WTBZ〗To investigate factors affecting hearing and speech rehabilitation following cochlear implantation. 〖WTHZ〗Methods〓〖WTBZ〗Twenty-four cases of bilateral severe or profound sensorineural deafness had intelligence, audiology, aural image and hearing-aids estimated before multi-channel cochlear implantation through the facial nerve recess approach. Postoperative electrode resistance was recorded and mapping was carried out one month after the operations. Pre-lingual patients received audition and speech or language skill rehabilitation trainings. 〖WTHZ〗Results〓〖WTBZ〗Twenty-three patients were successfully operated on and one with electrode placement was operated on twice. During the follow-up, two patients had short-term facial paralysis and one had a short period of vertigo. An X-ray film of the temporal bones two weeks later proved that all electrodes were properly located in the cochlear. Mapping performed one month after the surgery showed that hearing was completely recovered in 24 cases. Three post-lingual deaf patients were able to hear and speak. Other per-lingual deaf patients received audition and speech or language skill rehabilitation trainings. During a follow-up of 4-6 years, the language understanding rate was 80% and the appropriate expectation was satisfied. 〖WTHZ〗Conclusion〓〖WTBZ〗Cochlear implantation is a routine treatment for bilateral severe or profound sensorineural deafness. Its therapeutic effectiveness is correlated with many factors including indication, age, hearing-aids before the operations, remnant audition, course of operation, electrode position, audition and speech or language skill rehabilitation trainings and appropriate expectations.

Key words: Rehabilitation of hearing impaired, Hearing impaired persons

Cochlear implantation