Etiology of Children Multichannel Cochlear Implant Users at Hospital of Clinics of Ribeirão Preto

Introduction: Knowledge related to severe/profound sensorineural hearing loss characteristics has great importance because it allows identifying the etiologic and prognostic factors. It also enables strategic planning for interventions and public health actions.

Objective: The study aimed to characterize the different etiologies of hearing loss in children implanted on Cochlear Implant Program at the Hospital of Clinics of Ribeirao Preto (HCRP).

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the basis of analysis of 176 records of patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery between April 2004 and June 2013 at the Hospital of Ribeirão Preto. Data regarding the age at surgery and etiology of hearing loss were collected.

Results: The idiopathic etiology was found as the main etiological factor of hearing loss in the sample studied, reaching 50% of the cases, followed by rubella and meningitis, with 9.66 and 9.09% cases, respectively. Note that, for these etiologies, we already have preventive measures. The mean age at the time of surgery was 6 years and 8 months. The high incidence of idiopathic etiology in the sample corroborates with data from national and international literature. The service of HCRP cochlear implant currently includes in their genetic research protocol designed to establish greater efficiency in determining the etiology of hearing losses. Knowledge of etiology provides accessibility and effectiveness of these preventive actions.

Conclusion: According to the results obtained, it can be stated that idiopathic etiology continues to be prevalent, followed by infectious causes.