Auditory Rehabilitation - Cochlear Implantation

Abstract

The first cochlear implant was approved about 30 years ago. It just provided a limited sensation of sound and facilitated lip-reading based communication. Recent advances in the cochlear implant system and surgical techniques have enabled the majority of recipients to communicate orally without visual cues. The cochlear implantation has become a standard means of auditory rehabilitation for profound sensorineural deafness. To evaluate candidacy for cochlear implantation, an objective and behavioural audiological test, imaging and functional studies to identify the status of the cochlea and the auditory nerve, and evaluation of additional medical conditions are needed. Although the cochlear implantation can restore auditory function, sound perceived with the cochlear implant is different from normal hearing. Therefore postoperative rehabilitation is crucial for good speech performance. Nowadays, the indications for cochlear implantation have been extended. Hearing loss patients with residual low-frequency hearing could be candidates for cochlear implantation. Therefore, residual hearing preservation during cochlear implantation has been an important issue. In addition, bilateral cochlear implantation, cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness and fully implantable cochlear implant systems have been receiving more attention. The purpose of this article is to review current knowledge concerning the cochlear implantation.