コミュニケーション障害、聴覚障害者研究、補聴器のジャーナル
オープンアクセス

概要

Partial Deafness Cochlear Implantation Improves Voice Quality in Children

Karol Myszel1*, Agata Szkielkowska2, Paulina Krasnodebska2

Partial Deafness (PD), characterized by normal hearing at low frequencies and deep hypoacusis at high frequencies, causes voice disorders in children. Disturbed acoustic voice parameters in partial deafness children include those, which describe frequency, amplitude, noise and tremor. Apart from partial deafness dysphonia, this hearing this type of impairment causes developmental delays, which need a prompt intervention and rehabilitation.

For many years partial deafness patients, including children, did not receive appropriate help as traditional hearing aids were not effective in improving speech discrimination. Only Partial Deafness Cochlear Implantation (PDCI) became an effective tool that gives patients a chance of restoring hearing at high frequencies and improving speech recognition.

The study was performed to analyze the influence of PDCI on voice quality in children. Voice acoustics and subjective features of voice in a group of 44 prelingual partially deaf children were examined before and after cochlear implantation. The study proved improvement of objective acoustic measures describing changes in frequency, amplitude, presence of noise and tremor. Following objective improvement, perceptual assessment showed better voice, which became less harsh, more sonorous, less asthenic and stronger.