PURPOSE: To evaluate the Integrated Cochlear Profile for Assessing Auditory Nerve-Auditory Pathway Integrity (ICP-API), as proposed by our group, in the selection of cochlear implant candidates. PROCEDURES: The API of the candidates for cochlear implantation were assessed with the ICP-API, which consists of 5 categories including: audiological testing; radiological imaging study; ear-canal electric response audiometry; response to environmental sounds; speech development level. The auditory rehabilitation effects of the cochlear implantation receivers were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-six of 68 candidates who met the criteria of the ICP-API received cochlear implantation with improved hearing and speech development postoperatively. The remaining 2 of the 68 candidates were diagnosed with bilateral auditory nerves aplasia, and therefore failed cochlear implants were avoided. CONCLUSION: The ICP-API is valuable and feasible for the selection of cochlear implant candidates. The API should be considered as one of the most important criteria for cochlear implant candidate selection. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
PURPOSE: To evaluate the Integrated Cochlear Profile for Assessing Auditory Nerve-Auditory Pathway Integrity (ICP-API), as proposed by our group, in the selection of cochlear implant candidates. PROCEDURES: The API of the candidates for cochlear implantation were assessed with the ICP-API, which consists of 5 categories including: audiological testing; radiological imaging study; ear-canal electric response audiometry; response to environmental sounds; speech development level. The auditory rehabilitation effects of the cochlear implantation receivers were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-six of 68 candidates who met the criteria of the ICP-API received cochlear implantation with improved hearing and speech development postoperatively. The remaining 2 of the 68 candidates were diagnosed with bilateral auditory nerves aplasia, and therefore failed cochlear implants were avoided. CONCLUSION: The ICP-API is valuable and feasible for the selection of cochlear implant candidates. The API should be considered as one of the most important criteria for cochlear implant candidate selection. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel