The long-term concerns post cochlear implantation as experienced by parents/caregivers of prelingually deaf children between the ages of 3 and 5 years in Gauteng Province, South Africa

OBJECTIVES: Since the first implantation of a multichannel cochlear implant over 15 years ago there have been improvements in implant devices, surgical techniques, speech coding strategies and rehabilitation matters. There also have been concerns, whether the first implanted systems are stable and the benefit for the patients is constant over a long time. This study analyzes long-term results of prelingually deaf children who were implanted at Aachen University Hospital. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We examined 16 prelingually deaf children, who underwent cochlear implantation at our department between 1990 and 1993 over a time period of 10 to 13 years. The indication, perioperative complications, technical parameters, speech test results as well as the psychosocial development of the children were analyzed. A questionnaire containing questions about the daily use, expectations and the personal evaluation of the procedure was sent to all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 9 years at time of implantation. In two cases we saw postoperative complications which needed an intervention. The speech test results remained stable after reaching a plateau after 5 years. Eighty-eight percent of all patients would undergo the procedure again and 94% would recommend cochlear implantation to others. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation in cases of prelingual deafness is feasible without severe complications and leads to an increasing quality of life demonstrated by long-term observation.

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Cochlear implantation: auditory perception in prelingually deaf children

Clinical Otolaryngology ◽

10.1046/j.1365-2273.1998.0156c.x ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 372-372 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nikolopoulos ◽

Archbold ◽

O'donoghue

Keyword(s):

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Auditory Perception ◽

Deaf Children ◽

Prelingually Deaf

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Long-term follow-up and survival of antiretroviral-naïve patients with cryptococcal meningitis in the pre-antiretroviral therapy era, Gauteng Province, South Africa

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1258/ijsa.2010.010235 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 199-203 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

B J Park ◽

S Shetty ◽

A Ahlquist ◽

A Greenbaum ◽

J L Miller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Cryptococcal Meningitis ◽

Gauteng Province ◽

Long Term Follow Up

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The Impact of Additional Difficulties on the Long Term Progress of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Deaf Children Following Cochlear Implantation

Cochlear Implants International ◽

10.1179/146701010x12726366068175 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 11 (sup2) ◽

pp. 104-108 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jm Ramirez Inscoe

Keyword(s):

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Deaf Children ◽

The Impact

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Costs involved in using a cochlear implant in South Africa

South African Journal of Communication Disorders ◽

10.4102/sajcd.v59i1.18 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 59 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gillian Robyn Kerr ◽

Seppo Tuomi ◽

Alida Müller

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Cochlear Implant ◽

Cochlear Implants ◽

Cochlear Implantation ◽

Consumer Price Index ◽

Information Costs ◽

Profound Hearing Loss ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Implant System

Cochlear implantation is an expensive but effective lifelong intervention for individuals with a severe-to-profound hearing loss. The primary aim of this study was to survey the short- and long-term costs of cochlear implantation. Individuals (N=154) using cochlear implants obtained from the University of Stellenbosch-Tygerberg Hospital Cochlear Implant Unit in Cape Town, South Africa were surveyed using a questionnaire and patient record review. The questionnaire used a combination of closed and open-ended questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative information. Costs were categorised as short- and long-term costs. All costs were converted to constant rands (June 2010) using the Consumer Price Index to allow for comparison in real terms over time. In the first 10 years of implantation the average estimated costs incurred by adults totalled R379 626, and by children R455 225. The initial purchase of the implant system was the most substantial cost, followed by upgrading of the processor. Travel and accommodation costs peaked in the first 2 years. On average the participants spent R2 550 per year on batteries and spares. Rehabilitation for children cost an average of R7 200. Insurance costs averaged R4 040 per year, and processor repairs R3 000 each. In addition to the upfront expense of obtaining the cochlear implant system, individuals using a cochlear implant in South Africa should be prepared for the long-term costs of maintenance, accessing the unit, support services and additional costs associated with use. Knowledge of these costs is important to ensure that individuals are successful users of their cochlear implants in the long term.

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