Optimizing outcomes in pediatric cochlear implant recipients with coexisting attention deficit hyperactive disorder

Introduction: Speech language outcomes are often variable in hearing impaired children managed with cochlear Implantation. Co-existing Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder may be responsible in some cases. Active management of these cases may result in improved outcomes in terms of better speech language acquisition. This study compared the progress in speech language acquisition in paediatric cochlear implant recipients with coexisting ADHD before and after intervention with Behaviour Modification Therapy (BMT) and /or pharmacological treatment. Materials and Methods: The study group was of 20 hearing impaired children post cochlear implant with co-existing ADHD who did not show expected results with regular AVT for 3 months post implant. Management of ADHD was instituted as per laid down protocol and CAP scores were compared at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post implantation. The scores obtained were subjected to a Wilcoxon sign rank test and P value derived. Results: The CAP scores after the inclusion of treatment for ADHD showed a definite improvement with a highly significant P value. Conclusions: Variables such as co-existent ADHD must be actively looked for in hearing impaired children prior to surgery and. Appropriate treatment in the form of BMT and / or medication should be instituted to improve the performance.