Candidacy and the Children's Implant Profile: Is our selection appropriate?: Candidatura y el Perfil Infantil para Implante; ¿es apropiada nuestra selección?

Abstract

This study has two aims: first, to determine whether our paediatric Cochiear Implant Programme uses a modified version of the Children's Implant Profile (CHIP) in a consistent manner to inform candidacy decisions; and second, to establish whether our ratings of concern on the ChIP are predictive of speech discrimination, speech production and language outcomes. Retrospective data were collated over a 6-year period. For each ChIP category, ratings of ‘no concern’, ‘mild-moderate concern’ or ‘great concern’ were agreed for each child, and scores of 0, 1 or 2 were assigned respectively. During the period of study, of 147 children assessed, 63% were considered to be suitable for cochlear implantation. A forward stepwise logistic regression showed that degree of concern on five of the ChIP factors significantly predicted the decision to implant. At 1 year and 3 years after switch-on, the total ChIP score significantly predicted some speech perception outcomes, as did the degree of concern preimplant regarding speech and language abilities and functional hearing. These concerns were also significantly predictive of receptive language ability and speech intelligibility ratings 3 years after implantation.

Key Words:

• Cochlear implants
• Candidacy
• Children's
• Implant
• Profile