An Indian study has found that auditory brainstem implant (ABI) provision and use is safe and allows significant auditory development in children without neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) who are contraindicated for cochlear implantation.

The objectives of the study were to assess the safety and communication performance of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) provision in children who were contraindicated for cochlear implantation and do not have NF2.

About auditory brainstem implants

An auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is a hearing implant primarily made for people who have a non-functioning or non-existent auditory nerve.

The auditory brainstem implant was originally developed for adults diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). But an ABI can also be used by adults and children whose hearing nerve and/or inner ear do not work for other reasons.

About the study

Participants in the study had to be aged 18 months to 18 years at the start of the study. 10 children were included in the study. The mean age at enrollment of the study was 3.5 years.

Communication performance was assessed via a battery of tests up to 24 months after the first fitting. Testing was conducted at 7 intervals: preoperatively (1 month before ABI provision), at the first fitting (4–6 months after ABI provision) and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the first fitting.

The study, “Auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) in children without neurofibromatosis type II (NF2): communication performance and safety after 24 months of use”, was published in the journal Cochlear Implants International.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and Cochlear Implants International