Pediatric Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Minimum Test Battery and Referral Criteria for Cochlear Implant Candidacy Evaluation

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery Vol. 166; no. 3; p. 405
• Main Authors: Anne, Samantha, Brown, Kevin D, Goldberg, Donald M, Adunka, Oliver F, Kenna, Margaret, Chien, Wade, Teagle, Holly, Zwolan, Teresa A, Sydlowski, Sarah A, Roush, Patricia, Buchman, Craig A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.03.2022
• Subjects: Child; Child, Preschool; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Hearing Loss, Bilateral; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - rehabilitation; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - surgery; Humans; Referral and Consultation; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome; neurologically impaired; health-related quality of life; cochlear implantation
• ISSN: 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1177/01945998211027352

Among the various cochlear implant systems approved by the Food and Drug Administration, current labeling for pediatric usage encompasses (1) bilateral profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in children aged 9 to 24 months and bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in children older than 2 years; (2) use of appropriately fitted hearing aids for 3 months (this can be waived if there is evidence of ossification); and (3) demonstration of limited progress with auditory, speech, and language development. Pediatric guidelines require children to have significantly worse speech understanding before qualifying for cochlear implantation. The early years of life have been shown to be critical for speech and language development, and auditory deprivation is especially detrimental during this crucial time.Level of evidence: 2.