Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials and Subjective Auditory Perception Responses in Children Using Cochlear Implant: A Preliminary Study

Abstract Objective: A cochlear implant (CI) is a management option for congenital severe to profound hearing loss in children with no residual hearing. Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) have been found to be useful in evaluating the outcome using CIs. The study aimed at assessing the change in CAEPs and auditory perception using the categories of auditory perception (CAP) test with respect to the duration of auditory stimulation using a CI in children who were deaf and received a unilateral CI during childhood before the age of 5 years. Materials and Methods: Prelingually profound hearing-impaired children with normal cochlea who received a unilateral CI during childhood between 12 months and 5 years were recruited for the study. The duration of use of the implant ranged from 1 month to 5 years. Results: We found that with an increased duration of auditory stimulation using CIs, auditory responses matured regarding reduction in P1 latency and increased CAP scores. How long it takes for these children to achieve normal patterns of cortical maturation is a subject of further research.