Long-Term Device Satisfaction and Safety after Cochlear Implantation in Children

Objectives: For full benefit in children implanted with a cochlear implant (CI), wearing the device all waking hours is necessary. This study focuses on the relationship between daily use and audiological outcomes, with the hypothesis that frequent daily device use coincides with high device satisfaction resulting in better functional gain (FG). Confounding factors such as implantation age, device experience and type of device were considered. Results: 38 CI children (65 ears) were investigated. In total, 76.92% of the children were using their device for >12h per day (h/d), 18.46% for 9–12 h/d, the remaining for 6–9 h/d and one subject reported 3 h/d. The revision rate up to the 90-month follow-up (F/U) was 4.6%. The mean FG was 59.00±7.67dB. The Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ) separated for single unit (SU) versus behind the ear (BTE) devices showed significantly better results for the latter in terms of wearing comfort (WC)(p=0.00062). A correlation between device use and FG was found with a device experience of <2years (n=29; r2=0.398), whereas no correlation was seen with ≥2years of device experience (n=36; r2=0.0038). Conclusion: This study found significant relationships between daily device use and FG, wearing comfort and long-term safety (90 months).