Original scientific paper
Etiology of Deafness in Children Cochlear Implant Candidates in Croatia
Petar Drviš
Jakov Ajduk
Robert Trotić
Mihael Ries
Vilma Kosović
Josip Hat
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide more information on the causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children
cochlear implant candidates in Croatia. The retrospective study included 270 children candidates for cochlear implantation
between January 1997 and January 2005 at our institution. The medical assessment of the candidates included
the history, physical examination, radiologic evaluation of the temporal bone and audiologic assessment. A
family history of SNHL had 82 (30.4 %) candidates. The prematurity and/or complicated perinatal course was found in
35 (12.9%) of candidates. Computerized tomography (CT) scan analysis identified 44 (16.3%) candidates presenting with
an inner ear malformation. Overall, a definite or probable cause of SNHL was identified in 58.9% of candidates and
41.1% had no obvious cause. The results of the study might give us better insight into the potential causes of SNHL and
allow more timely intervention, allowing children with SNHL to reach their potential.
Keywords
sensorineural hearing loss; children; cochlear implantation; CT; temporal bone; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
34092
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2008.
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