Hearing experts conquer hearing loss in deaf children

Hearing experts conquer hearing loss in deaf children

By Justine Wangui (Science Africa correspondent)

Email: justinewangui@gmail.com

LOS ANGELES -A three year research study carried out by a team of hearing and communication experts has realized the effectiveness of auditory brain-stem implant (ABI) device in overcoming sound barrier in children born without a hearing nerve. 

The research commenced in March 2014 with Keck school of Medicine of the University of California (USC) being in the lead.   A clinical trial backed by the National Institutes of Health recorded the success of ABI devices after they were implanted in four children who previously could not hear. Scientists claim that the ABI would be more effective in children since their brains are more adaptable. This clinical trial is set to prove that the implant is safe in young children.  This paves way for researchers to study brain development over time and how it learns to hear sound as well as develop speech.

“All of our study participants whose ABIs have been activated are progressing at expected or better rates.  We are optimistic that, with intensive training and family support, these children will eventually be able to talk on the phone,” said audiologist Laurie Eisenberg. Ph. D., a Keck School of Medicine of USC   otolaryngology professor and study co-leader.  “Initial activation of the ABI is like a newborn entering the world and hearing for the first time, which means these children will need time to learn to interpret what they are sensing through the device as ‘sound’.”

For over ten years, surgeons in USA have been carrying out ABI surgeries in children but there was neither a formal safety nor monitoring of the surgeries’ lapses.  Additionally, these devices have shown minimal effectiveness in adults.  

Hearing loss can be restored temporarily through hearing aids and cochlear implants but this case is only applicable to those who have a cochlear or hearing nerve, who are incapable of perceiving sound no matter how loud it is.  The use of ABIs highly involves the study of how the brain and the hearing system work together.  Thus, it has come to the conclusion that ABI stimulates neurons directly at the human brainstem, bypassing the entire inner ear.

  Prof. Robert V. Shannon, Ph.D., of Keck school of Medicine USC, an investigator of the trial and a leading scientist since 1989 has seen commendable responses after ABI implants in patients.  “Hearing loss can be devastating to a child’s social development and for some children, the ABI is their last viable chance to hear.  Several of the young children who had ABIs implanted outside the United States have sought help at the USC-CHLA Center for Childhood Communication and we know that they now have the potential to understand speech. Through this device, our team will set the gold standards for use of this technology.”

Laurie Eisenberg optimistically recommends ample training and family support which will eventually enable the children to talk on phone.

(Source: USC Health News <prmarketing@med.usc.edu>)