Simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant in pre-lingual children: an electrophysiological study of cortical functions and auditory speech perception

Author(s)

Simone Fiuza Regaçone

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2019-07-11

Examining board members

Orozimbo Alves Costa Filho; Katia de Freitas Alvarenga; Ana Claudia Figueiredo Frizzo; Eliane Maria Carrit Delgado Pinheiro

• Advisor: Orozimbo Alves Costa Filho

Abstract

This study aims to describe the cortical auditory evoked potential components and binaural interaction component, as well as the development of hearing and oral language skills in children using simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants in the first two years of use. The casuistry was composed of nine children using bilateral cochlear implant, with simultaneous activation of the devices. The investigation of cortical auditory evoked potentials was performed with the speech stimulus, 70 dB NPS intensity, presented unilaterally and bilaterally in the free field, with speaker positioned at a 0º azimuth angle in relation to the implants. Then, parents or guardians were interviewed through three questionnaires: LittlEars auditory development questionnaire, Infant-toddler: Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale IT MAIS or Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale MAIS (chosen to accord to age at the time of evaluation), and Meaningful Use of Speech Scale MUSS. The evaluations were performed at 12 and 24 months of use of the implants, during participants follow-up. The amplitude values of each record in 70 dB NPS were placed in ascending order and the latency range of 60 to 320 ms was analyzed for the definition of cortical auditory evoked potentials. Subsequently, an arithmetic calculation was applied to determine whether the binaural interaction component was recorded. It was observed the time of simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant use, a significant reduction in latency and an increase in the amplitude of the P1 component, as well as a significant evolution in the auditory and oral language development evidenced by the scores obtained in the questionnaires LittlEars, IT-MAIS / MAIS and MUSS after two years of implant activation. It was not possible to visualize the BIC record, but it was observed a reduction of the binaural auditory responses. It was concluded that the use of simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants promoted auditory cortical development, auditory abilities, and oral language, as well as it enabled the characterization of the development of these children. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23313-2 - Simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant in pre-lingual children: an electrophysiological study of cortical functions and auditory speech perception
• Grantee: Simone Fiuza Regaçone
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate