Blink reflex and auditory speech perception in prelingually cochlear-implanted children

Abstract

Conclusion The results of this study show that R− prelingually cochlear-implanted children are not optimal candidates for cochlear implantation. However, if this group are implanted, other rehabilitation methods should be incorporated into their rehabilitation program in order to achieve better results and maximize the efficacy of their prosthesis.

Objective To demonstrate that the blink reflex or auropalpebral reflex evaluation can be used as a prognostic factor for the assessment of auditory and speech perception levels in prelingually cochlear-implanted children.

Material and methods In an observational, analytical, prospective study conducted at a single cochlear implant rehabilitation center in 85 prelingually cochlear-implanted children, the presence or absence of the blink reflex (BR) was evaluated and the results of auditory and speech perception tests were compared between reflex-positive (R+) and reflex-negative (R−) patients. To obtain the BR, four electrodes were applied in both the Nucleus and MED-EL systems and then stimulated by means of current levels higher than the previously detected most comfortable level of the patient until the reflex appeared. Auditory and speech perception levels were measured using the vowels-confusion test and the categorization of auditory perception scale. Results The mean results of auditory and speech perception tests were significantly higher in R+ compared to R− patients.

• Brainstem
• central information processing
• cochlear implant
• prognostic factor
• reflex-negative