Assessment of Mandarin-speaking pediatric cochlear implant recipients with the Mandarin Early Speech Perception (MESP) test

These results provide preliminary validation of the MESP test for use in evaluation of Mandarin-speaking pediatric CI recipients. Use of objective outcome assessment tools such as the MESP following early cochlear implantation can be used to document the progress of CI recipients and identify those recipients who may need additional rehabilitative intervention.

from the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Random Gap Detection Test and Random Gap Detection Test-Expanded results in children with auditory neuropathy

In this study, RGDT was applied to five children with auditory neuropathy between ages of 7 and 13 years (study group) (3 male, 2 female). As a control group, RGDT was applied to 10 normal hearing children who had not auditory processing problem between ages of 7 and 16 years (5 male, 5 female). In the first test, all children were applied to RGDT and RGDT-EXP. Each child responded whether he/she heard one or two tones. Their responses were taken as verbally and/or hold up one finger or two fingers. In the second test, they were applied speech discrimination test in quiet environment and in noise. Gap detection thresholds (GDTs) were detected at 500–4000 Hz; and composite GDTs (CGDTs) were found for the study and control groups. GDT/CGDT >20 ms was considered as abnormal for temporal processing disorder.

Results
Any of the children with AN who has no HAs; with HAs; and CI, could not be able to perform RGDT. Therefore the RGDT-EXP was applied in this group. In the study group, GDTs was all over 50 ms at 500–4000 Hz; and CGDTs were all over 50 ms for all children included into the study group with AN. In control group, except child 9 (GDTs were 25 ms at 3000 and 4000 Hz); and child 10 (GDT was 25 ms at 500 Hz); GDTs were all in normal limits for 500–4000 Hz for all children included into the study as control group. CGDTs were all in normal limits for the control group, except child 9 (CGDTs were 22.50, slightly higher than normal limits). In the study group with AN, mean of the GDTs was all over the normal limits; and in control group, mean of GDTs were all in normal limits. The difference between the mean GDTs of the study group was significantly higher than the control groups at all frequencies of 500–4000. In AN group, CGDT (97.5 ± 9.57 ms) was significantly higher than that of the control group (10.35 ± 0.65 ms).

Conclusion
We concluded that these results may only not be explained by auditory processing performance or temporal aspects of audition of each child. Their gap detection was much worse for short duration stimuli than for longer duration stimuli. The present study showed that temporal processing, auditory timing and gap detection skills of the children with AN were found as delayed in advanced degree. These findings may indicate that the AN children cannot perform temporal asynchrony. Our results may help to understand why the children with AN cannot manage the speech perception; and why they understand the speech after a few repeats.

from the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Disturbance of vestibular function attributable to cochlear implantation in children

Conclusions:
Our study supports the potential negative impact on vestibular function caused by cochlear implantation, especially for children who receive bilateral implantation. Vestibular impairment or dysfunction after cochlear implantation is clinically significant and should be well addressed preoperatively. Vestibular evaluation such as VOR and VEMP testing can be used in screening vestibular function for children who are candidates for CI. Future improvements in design of CI electrodes and surgical technique may minimize the traumatic impact of cochlear implantation on the inner ear structures and functionality. Laryngoscope, 2009

from Laryngoscope