Selection of speech processor in cochlear implant patients: experience in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background

There are two types of speech processors used in CI devices: behind-the-ear (BTE) and off-the-ear (OTE).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients and revision cases in relation to the type of speech processors.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of 452 ears that underwent CI was performed.

Results

Children with severe inner ear anomalies (91.7%) more frequently preferred BTE speech processors than those without severe inner ear anomalies (p = .000). The magnet strength used in OTE speech processor users was significantly higher than in BTE speech processor users (p = .002). In cochlear implantees who underwent surgery before 12 months of age, the magnet strength in the revision group was greater than in the non-revision group (p = .025).

Conclusions and significance

Overall, our findings suggest factors to consider when choosing the type of speech processor and modifying the magnet strength of the implant device. The choice between BTE and OTE speech processors led to different required magnet strengths, contributing to the occurrence of skin flap inflammation.

Chinese Abstract

背景：在CI 植入体中使用两种类型的语音处理器：耳背式 (BTE) 和耳离式 (OTE)。

目的：本研究旨在调查患者特征和与语音处理器的类型相关的修正病例。

材料和方法：对 452 只接受 CI 的耳朵进行回顾性检查。

结果：患有严重内耳异常的儿童 (91.7%)比没有严重内耳异常的儿童更常选择 BTE 语音处理器(p=.000)。 术后1年语言评估分数显示 在OTE 组和 BTE 组之间没有显著差异 (p>.05)。 用于OTE 语音处理器用户的磁体强度明显高于 BTE 语音处理器用户 (p=.002)。 在 12 个月大之前接受手术的人工耳蜗植入者中, 修正组的磁体强度大于非修正组 (p=.025)。

结论和意义：总体来说, 我们的研究结果提出了当选择语音处理器类型及修改植入体的磁体强度时需要考虑的因素。 在BTE和OTE语音处理器 之间的选择并没有影响儿童的语言发展, 但却导致了所需要的不同磁体强度, 从而引发皮瓣炎症。

Keywords:

• Cochlear implantation
• speech processor
• magnet
• children

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study is supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the NRF, funded by the Ministry of Education (Grant 2021R1A2C2092038 to Choi, B.Y.), Bio Core Facility Center Program through the NRF-2022M3A9G1014007 to Choi, B.Y. and also by the Basic Research Laboratory Program through the NRF, funded by the Ministry of Education (Grant RS-2023-0021971031482092640001 to Choi, B.Y.) and the Technology Innovation Program (K_G012002572001 to Choi, B.Y.) funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE, Korea). This study is also funded by SNUBH Intramural Research Fund (13-2022-0010, 02-2017-0060, and 13-2017-0013 to Choi, B.Y.).