Abstract:
Auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) can provide auditory stimulation in cases where cochlear implantation is contraindicated. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of auditory, speech, and language skills of Indian paediatric ABI recipients. Five children between January 2009 and April 2012, with ages ranging from 13 to 94 months received an auditory brainstem implant. The auditory, speech, and language development of the participants were assessed using formal and informal assessment tools, at regular intervals up to 36 months after activation of audio processor of the ABI. All these participants attended post-operative auditory habilitation sessions. There was an improvement in all the participants in terms of auditory perception, speech intelligibility, and, receptive and expressive language scores over time, although none achieved maximum scores on any test. Only three participants were assessed beyond the 12-month interval. The development stagnated after the habilitation program ended. Informal assessment (AuSpLan) gave a detailed information regarding development of the participants in these three domains. Auditory brainstem implantation provided access to sounds in environment and supported development of auditory, speech, and language skills in paediatric recipients. Informal assessment tools provided a more nuanced and complete picture of development than formal tests alone, and could be a valuable addition to the test batteries. The auditory habilitation professionals should consider the skills and needs of an ABI recipient, prior to choosing an appropriate communication approach for habilitation. Further aspects to be considered include extending the post-operative habilitation support for longer duration and/or; developing an effective home-training program to maximize benefit from an auditory brainstem implant.