Cochlear implantation in the deaf-blind.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the outcome and rehabilitation of cochlear implantation in a select group of individuals: the deaf-blind.

STUDY

DESIGN

The study design was a retrospective and prospective case evaluation of the deaf-blind implantees.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a national adult and pediatric cochlear implant center.

PATIENTS: A total of eight adult and two pediatric blind or visually impaired individuals undergoing cochlear implantation for severe or profound deafness participated. Evaluation of the history, etiology of blindness and deafness, and outcome of the cochlear implantation was examined.

INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implantation and subsequent rehabilitation were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) sentence scores were measured.

RESULTS

Individually and as a group, these patients respond exceptionally well to cochlear implantation. The BKB scores are above the average for the sighted cochlear implantees. This raises the question of heterosensory substitution.

CONCLUSIONS

Cochlear implantation has a major role to play in the rehabilitation of certain deaf-blind individuals, and these patients may be among the most worthwhile to consider for implantation. The implant team must acquire additional rehabilitative skills, and the strength of the deaf-blind culture must be taken into consideration.