Is Cochlear Implant The Best Solution For Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss In A Child?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

Question: Hi,

My kid is 11 months old and is confirmed for bilateral profound hearing loss (BERA responses were recorded @ >95db); CT scan, & MRI are normal. Dr. says it's SNHL. He suggested a hearing aid with speech therapy for next 3 months followed by CI.

Is there any other promising treatment apart from Cochlear Implant such as Ayurveda?

Since am low on finances, can I directly go for CI, as hearing aids are costing around 1.5L.

Is there a possibility that the hair cells in question may develop/ get healed with age?

Finally, how much time I can choose to wait before CI, as I do not want to rush without complete knowkedge plus I need sometime to arrange finances.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cochlear Implant is the choice of treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that your child is having sensori neural hearing loss.

Answers and solutions for your queries.
1. As per my knowledge, currently there is no treatment for nerve deafness (hair cell) in Ayurveda.

2. Yes. you can go directly for cochlear implantation ( cochlear implants have been FDA-approved for use in eligible children beginning at 12 months of age).

3. No. There is no chance of developing newer hair cell or healing of hair cell in case of sensorineural deafness.

4. A research, has shown that when these children receive a cochlear implant followed by intensive therapy before 18 months of age, they are better able to hear, comprehend sound and music, and speak than their peers who receive implants when they are older.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (2 hours later)

Thanks for the info doctor!

Our surgeon insists on hearing aids for 3 months followed by CI. Is there a medical reason behind this, or is this a strategy to sell hearing aids to the patient requiring CI. He also added that child can use CI in one ear, with the hearing aid in another for better balancing of sound. Please clarify. Note: Kid has bilateral profound hearing loss.

Will the kid be ever able to attend regular school, lead a normal life?

Would you happen to know any Sponsors for treatment in XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hearing aid needed.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

Answers-

1. As such, hearing aid trial done to maintain continuous auditory and language learning skills during pre and post operative period.

2. It will take time for post operative wound to heal (where processor implanted at scalp, where implant will not be activated), during that period hearing aid will help in learning the language, moreover, second ear needs hearing aid during that period.

3. Yes. your kid will lead normal life with regular schooling, but your patience needed for regular follow ups and periodic visits to ent surgeon/audiologist.

4. There is a scheme at Andhra pradesh, arogya XXXXXXX where they do cochlear implant surgery freely.

All the best. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)

Hello Doctor,

Thank you for the answers!

My question on hearing aid still remains un-answered. I've stated my surgeon recommended hearing aid before surgery, and can continue the aid along with implant on the other ear(please review my 1st follow- up question); but unfortunately, the answer doesn't really help.

Please help me in understanding, as am confused to pay for hearing aids, as I think they are costly plus useless after surgery/ 4- 6 months.

Thank you,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
First hearing aid, then implant.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Let me explain once again,

Cochlear implant surgery is an invasive surgery which requires at least 6- 12 weeks for complete healing of surgical wound. The implant will be activated technically only after this, Untill then your hearing aid is a must for continual of auditory/ language skill.

After the sucess of one ear surgery the other ear is selected giving a prospective duration depending on the patient condition. That is why, the use of hearing aid is a must.

All the best.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj