Clinical Research Directory

Pediatric Image-Guided Cochlear Implant Programming

Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Summary

Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices which restore the ability to hear to the hearing impaired. Recent literature has indicated that children receiving cochlear implants (CIs) often have dramatically improved speech and language ability relative to previous generations of children with hearing loss; however, many pediatric CI recipients display persistent speech and language disorders despite early implantation and associated speech/language intervention. Cochlear implants are programmed via mapping - a process in which each individual electrode (FDA approved cochlear implants have between 12 and 22 electrodes) is turned on and the stimulus level adjusted to a level that is comfortable and beneficial to the recipient. At present, this standard of care (SOC) mapping procedure is performed without knowledge of the physical location between the cochlear implant electrodes and the neural interface. Our team has developed a new method of mapping using post-operative CT scans and image processing to specify the physical relationship between the cochlear implant electrodes and the neural interface allowing customized mapping. Using this information, the investigators deactivate sub-optimally positioned electrodes. The investigators term this "Image-guided Cochlear Implant Programming" (IGCIP). This project provides a unique opportunity to examine whether individualized, image-guided CI programming (IGCIP) significantly improves outcomes in pediatric CI patients. Measures of hearing were gathered at baseline, 12 month and 24 month time points.

Official title: Image-Guided Cochlear Implant Programming: Pediatric Speech, Language, and Literacy

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