Bilateral sequential cochlear implants in children

Aim: 1-To compare time to reach the maximum speech perception score, between CI1 and CI2; 2-To compare word recognition using bilateral and unilateral CI; 3-To assess the incidence of age at first and second CI; 4-To consider the impact of the gap between CI1 and CI2. Material and methods: We assessed 24 children with bilateral sequential CI, aged between 1-17.11 years. All patients implanted with Nucleus devices. Performance was measured with disyllabic words. Results: All subjects use both devices properly. Progress of the second implanted ear varies and is determined by performance with first CI, length of auditory deprivation, gap between CI1 and CI2 and age at CI. Conclusions: Bilateral CI in children promotes the best condition to receive auditory information. It could improve language, communication and academic capabilities.