EFFECT OF COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION IN PRE-LINGUAL ADULTS ON SPEECH DEVELOPMENT

Background: Cochlear implants (CIs) have emerged as a transformative intervention for individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. While extensive research has supported their effectiveness in post lingually deaf individuals, outcomes in prelingually deaf adults remain less explored. This population presents unique auditory and neurological challenges due to a lack of early sound exposure, which may affect speech and language development. Understanding the extent of benefits in this group is vital for evidence-based clinical decisions. Objective: To evaluate the impact of cochlear implantation on speech comprehension, social interaction, and overall quality of life in adults with prelingual deafness. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted over six months (July 2024 to December 2024) in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Seventy adults (n=70) with congenital or early-onset deafness who received cochlear implants were enrolled. Self-reported outcomes were assessed using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) both before and after implantation. Pre- and post-implantation data were statistically analyzed using paired tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Post-implantation, participants showed significant improvements across all domains: telephone communication (85.71%), music perception (78.57%), social engagement (92.86%), speech comprehension (88.57%), and perceived quality of life (82.86%). The APHAB scale revealed a 28.5% overall reduction in listening difficulties, including improvements in ease of communication (p=0.001), background noise (p=0.003), aversiveness (p=0.020), and reverberation (p=0.010). SF-36 scores showed enhanced physical functioning (p<0.01), decreased pain (p<0.02), increased vitality (p<0.0001), and better mental health (p<0.01). Conclusion: Cochlear implants significantly enhance both objective hearing performance and subjective life quality in prelingually deaf adults. These findings support broader use of CIs in this population and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.