Question
What type of patient is an appropriate candidate for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI)?
Answer
According to FDA regulations, only adults with NF2 are approved candidates for an auditory brainstem implant; however, they have been performed on pediatric patients for years in European countries. In the US, a handful of medical centers are undergoing FDA approved feasibility studies in the pediatric population.
Criteria for selection for our research here at New York University (NYU) is the following:
- Age 18 months to 21 years
- Two groups - 18 months to 5 years; up to 21 years (post-lingual group)
- Bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss documented on physiologic and behavioral assessment
- No cochlea or cochlear nerve hypoplasia/aplasia
- Inability to place a CI due to fibrous growth from previous CI
- Meningitis with no benefit from CI
- Strong family support
- English language competency in guardians
- Reasonable expectations of family
- Understand that child may not develop oral language
Exclusion criteria include:
- Medical contraindications
- Cognitive or developmental delays that could interfere progress/performance
- Anomaly or pathology of brainstem or cortex
- NF2 or other brainstem or cranial nerve tumors
- Psychological contraindication
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from the CEU course, 20Q: Auditory Brainstem Implants - Continued Advancements for Both Adults and Children. Register to view the full course.
