Cochlear implantation in children with complex needs – outcomes

Abstract

CIs in children have been shown to be cost effective and provide benefits in auditory and speech perception; however, there are few reports specifically relating to outcomes in children with complex needs. Improvement was seen across all outcome measures although less than in children without additional needs. Consideration should be given to the use of quality-of-life measurements as the development of oral communication may not be a realistic goal or accurately reflect benefits gained by the use of CIs in this patient group.