Speech Perception Performance of Nucleus Multichannel Cochlear Implant Users with Partial Electrode Insertions

OBJECTIVE: The present investigation examined the speech perception performance of five children with ossified cochleas who received partial insertions of the Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant. DESIGN: The partial-insertion subjects' preimplant and 1.5 yr postimplant performance on a battery of speech perception tests was compared to the average performance of age-matched control subjects who received full electrode insertions. All the partial-insertion subjects were fit with their Nucleus cochlear implant between the ages of 2 and 5 yr, and had used their device for at least 1.5 yr. More extended comparisons also were made for the two partial-insertion subjects who had used their cochlear implants for a longer period of time. RESULTS: The subjects with partial electrode insertions performed similarly to the control group at both the preimplant and 1.5 yr postimplant intervals. Furthermore, the partial-insertion subjects showed continued improvements in speech perception performance with increased device experience past 1.5 yr, again similar to the full-insertion control group. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that partial insertion of a multichannel implant device is an appropriate and feasible approach to the surgical management and auditory rehabilitation of children with extensive or complete ossification of the cochlea.