[Qualitative analysis of voice and speech in patients with cochlear implant-- preliminary results].

UNLABELLED: Verbal communication depends on a good function of voice and speech organs. Cochlear implant system (CI) is the most advanced treatment method in receptive deafness in patients of all age groups.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the voice and speech before and after CI adjusted for time of onset of deafness (pre- and postlingual).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

14 patients with postlingual (group I) and prelingual deafness (group II) deriving no benefit from hearing aids. In both groups laryngeal stroboscopy, voice, hearing and speech quality and quality of life were evaluated before and after CI. Results. Dysphonia was noted--hyperfunctional in group I and hypofunctional in group II. CI improved voice, speech and hearing quality in both groups, with the most significant amelioration of acoustic indices of voice in group II. Quality of life improved in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CI improves quality of voice, speech and hearing in adults with pre- and postlingual deafness. Patients in group I made faster progress following CI than group II. CI had significant positive impact on quality of life in both groups.