Where can we find recent research on cochlear implants in prelingually deaf adults who communicate manually?

Question

A deaf person of my acquaintance, 20 years old, non-oral, but with excellent language skills when it comes to reading and writing (perfect score on verbal SAT, taught himself German) is considering a cochlear implant. He uses hearing aids and has some residual hearing, is aware of sounds but not enough to decipher speech. His speaking voice is unintelligible. We are looking for RECENT (no older than 2007) research. Unfortunately, all we've found so far is information on "oral" deaf adults; is he such a unique case?

We are aware of, and appreciate, the cultural ramifications, both pros and cons; not looking for that at this time, just objective research. What can he expect if he has this procedure? Any information about physical recovery period (how long in hospital, how long before returning to work/school/driving etc. would be appreciated too. Again, looking for recent information only. Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

asha.org is the site for the American Speech Language Hearing Association. There may be recently published research in one of their journals.

The American Association of Audiology is another resource.

Another thought is the Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America journal.

hei.org is the site for the House Ear Institute. This group is the premiere otology and audiology organization in the US. I'd bet you can get all of your questions answered there.

Answer 2

databases such as proquest or ebsco host will give you access you can usually get the password information from your public library.

Answer 3

asha.org was mention in one of your responses. As a speech major i have access to it, but as a non member you wont get access to it. You can find the articles from their journals using proquest or ebsco host databases

Answer 4

A few years ago, I was in a similar situation and seriously considered the idea of getting one myself.  Much like your acquaintance, I was born profoundly deaf.  Hearing aids were useless so I stopped wearing them at the age of six.  Despite that, I am still able to speak and I would like to think I have a fairly decent command of the English language.

Back in 1977 when cochlear implants were primitive, I had the choice and I decided against it.  My mother was not too pleased, but she respected my decision.  Looking back, I'm grateful.

A couple years ago, I once again considered it since technology was far better.  I had three friends who had their cochlear implants done within the past few years.  All were born deaf and all were in their 30's when they got their implants.  And all of them exhibited no discernable difference whilst speaking or even comprehending others.  Now, two of them no longer wear theirs and one is still struggling, but nobody understands him very well although he was an oral deaf adult.

There's the adage one cannot teach an old dog new tricks.  With that in mind, I once again decided against it.  The way your acquaintance thinks is already embedded and it's next to impossible to undo 20 years of damage.  I do not care about the cultural ramifications, I am who I am.  Does he have many deaf friends?  There are other factors to consider here.

Answer 5

Good question.  I agree with others saying to check journal databases; add MedLine and PsychInfo to your list, too.  However, I would recommend you broaden your search a few years if you want more information.  It is a somewhat unique case for a Deaf person who communicates in sign to get implanted as an adult.  It is far from unheard of, but unique enough that you probably need to search a broader range of years to get decent information.  From what I've seen, most people in that situation are disappointed with their CIs and they never get the same results as a young child would.  The main reason behind this, we think, is because of the neuro pathways in the brain that carry auditory signals are not there or not as strong because of the lack of auditory stimulation.  As an adult, these pathways don't re-grow easily.

So, most likely your friend will not be one of those big success cases you hear about.  It is possible, especially with his high language ability and use of residual hearing; I've worked with some people implanted in the same situation as your friend who were very successful with CIs.  So many factors come into play that it's difficult to determine how well the CI will work for a person.

Your best resource for all of your questions would be to go to or call your local implant center.  These are usually based in hospitals that perform the surgery; ask your ENT or audiologist for the nearest team if you don't know where it is.  They can answer the basic questions about recovery time, etc. quite easily as they do this every day.  They can also counsel on what the likely outcomes are for your specific situation.  And, they will also probably have access to and knowledge of the latest research in the field, and they can hook you up with the research you're looking for.  Good luck!