Paediatric cochlear implantation in north-western Nigeria case report and review of our challenges

• Published in: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology Vol. 78; no. 2; pp. 363 - 365
• Main Authors: Suleiman, A.O, Suleiman, B.M, Abdulmajid, U.F, Suleiman, M.R, Mustapha, A.Y, Afolabi, O.A, Yakubu, Leko. H, Nathal, C, Mohammed, G.M, Lasisi, A.O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.02.2014
• Subjects: Challenges; Child; Children; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Developing Countries; Developing country; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - surgery; Hearing Tests; Humans; Male; Meningitis; Nigeria; Otolaryngology; Pediatrics; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Nigeria; Meningitis; Children; Cochlear implantation; Challenges; Developing country
• ISSN: 0165-5876; 1872-8464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.10.061

Abstract Objective To report the commencement of cochlear implantation (CI) in children in Northern Nigeria and review the challenges encountered with a view to establishing CI programme. Cases Two children with post-meningitic sensorineural hearing loss had standard pre-implantation assessment and cochlear implantation surgery in Nigeria in conjunction with surgeons from another developing country. Post-implantation meningitis was encountered and managed in one of the patients. Post-CI rehabilitation started in a foreign country and continued in our centre after training of our speech therapist. Both patients had improvement in their hearing. Conclusion These showcase successful CI in patients from Sub-Saharan Africa, the challenges included need for development of surgical and post-CI rehabilitation personnel and affordability of the cost of the implant. The support of all the stakeholders needed for commencement of a CI programme was noted.