Effects of Age at Auditory Brainstem Implantation: Impact on Auditory Perception, Language Development, Speech Intelligibility

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of age at auditory brainstem implant (ABI) surgery on auditory perception, language, and speech intelligibility.

Study design: Retrospective single cohort design.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: In this study, 30 pediatric ABI users with no significant developmental issues were included. Participants were divided into two groups, according to age at surgery (Early Group: < 3 yr old [n = 15], Late Group: ≥ 3 yr old [n = 15]). Groups were matched by duration of ABI use and participants were evaluated after 5 years (±1 yr) experience with their device. The mean age at ABI surgery was 22.27 (ranged ± 6.5) months in the early group, 45.53 (ranged ± 7.9) months in the late group.

Intervention(s): Retrosigmoid craniotomy and ABI placement.

Main outcome measure(s): Auditory perception skills were evaluated using the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale and Categories of Auditory Performance from the Children's Auditory Perception Test Battery. We used a closed-set pattern perception subtest, a closed-set word identification subtest, and an open-set sentence recognition subtest. Language performance was assessed with the Test of Early Language Development and Speech Intelligibility Rating, which was administered in a quiet room.

Results: In this study, the results demonstrated that the Early Group's auditory perception performance was better than the Late Group after 5 years of ABI use, when children had no additional needs (U = 12, p < 0.001). Speech intelligibility was the most challenging skill to develop, in both groups. Due to multiple regression analysis, we found that auditory perception categories can be estimated with speech intelligibility scores, pattern perception scores, receptive language scores, and age at ABI surgery variables in ABI users with no additional handicaps.

Conclusions: ABI is a viable option to provide auditory sensations for children with cochlear anomalies. ABI surgery under age 3 is associated with improved auditory perception and language development compared with older users.