Speech Perception and Patient Satisfaction Outcomes in Children Using Auditory Brainstem Implants: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Auditory brainstem implants (ABI) are implantable hearing devices that can electrically stimulate the cochlear nucleus at the level of brainstem bypassing the cochlear nerve. Though cochlear implants (CI) are the most commonly preferred implantable hearing prosthesis among prelingual hearing impairment, it is contraindicated for conditions in which the cochlea or cochlear nerve cannot be functionally stimulated by CIs. Thus ABIs are a viable option for these populations. Children with cochlear or cochlear nerve anomalies and ossified cochlea due to meningitis are the most frequent candidates of ABI. The present systematic review aimed at reporting the speech perception outcomes and patient benefit among the children using ABIs. Using a comprehensive search strategy, 16 articles were found which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 234 pediatric participant data were obtained from these studies with cochlear anomalies. The analysis of these studies showed significant positive outcome in terms of speech perception and patient satisfaction in children with ABI. Hence, from the current systematic review it is inferred that ABI is a safe and beneficial management option for children with contraindication for cochlear implantation.