Auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) in children without neurofibromatosis type II (NF2): communication performance and safety after 24 months of use.

Objectives

To assess the safety and communication performance of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) provision in children who were contraindicated for cochlear implantation and do not have neurofibromatosis type II (NF2).

Methods

Communication performance was assessed via a battery of tests up to 24 months after first fitting. Safety was assessed intra-operatively and via post-operative adverse event reports.

Results

Ten children participated in the study. The mean communication skills on all 8 tests for which inferential statistics were possible increased significantly from pre-operatively to 12 months and either again increased significantly or remained stable from 12 to 24 months. Communication development was variable: some children achieved high scores while others did not. Two serious adverse events that were device or procedure-related were reported and successfully resolved.Discussion: ABI provision in this population group was safe. Participants' auditory abilities were significantly better after 24 months of ABI use than at pre-implantation. Development was slower than that of children with a cochlear implant but may continue progressing after 24 months of use.

Conclusion

ABI provision and use is safe and allows significant auditory development in children without NF2 who are contradicted for cochlear implantation.