DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.173575.3 ISSN: 2046-1402

Risk Factors for Severe and Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Auditory Performance in Children After Cochlear Implant Surgery in a Peruvian Pediatric Institute

Diego Marin Marín, Leydy Kelly Cordero Tito, Liseth Melissa Montañez Córdova, Felix Cordero-Pinedo, Martín A. Vilela-Estrada
Show PDF Cite
Background Sensorineural hearing loss in children, when associated with specific risk factors, may impair language development and negatively affect quality of life, as well as family and social integration. Objective To determine the association between risk factors for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and auditory performance in post–cochlear implant patients in a Peruvian pediatric institute. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of children who underwent cochlear implantation between 2021 and 2024. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and auditory performance was assessed using the PEACH questionnaire. Poor auditory performance was defined as a PEACH score < 75%. Crude prevalence ratios were estimated through bivariate analysis. Multivariable associations were evaluated with logistic regression, reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR), and with Poisson regression with robust variance, reported as adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). Results Medical records from 100 children were analyzed. Multivariate analysis identified prematurity (aPR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5–4.5), low birth weight (aPR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4–4.2), and meningitis (aPR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–7.0) as independent factors associated with poor auditory performance, with meningitis showing the strongest association. Severe perinatal asphyxia was also significantly associated with poorer outcomes (aPR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.5). Age at implantation >3 years was significant in bivariate analysis but not after adjustment. Conclusions Neonatal risk factors, particularly prematurity, low birth weight, severe perinatal asphyxia, and meningitis, were significantly associated with poorer auditory performance after cochlear implantation in children with sensorineural hearing loss. Early identification and appropriate management of these risk factors, together with timely intervention and follow-up, may help optimize auditory outcomes in this population.

More from our Archive