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Early ear implant boon - National - theage.com.au
A BIONIC ear implant in the first year of life dramatically improves the development of language skills in children born deaf, Melbourne researchers say.
In a study of more than 100 babies with permanent and severe hearing loss, researchers at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital found that those who received an implant between six months and one year would develop language skills as quickly as a child with normal hearing. Children who received theirs at between one and two years - when they are most commonly implanted - developed more slowly.
"We now have probably for the first time strong objective evidence that it's good to do a bionic ear implant as soon as possible," said Professor Richard Dowell.
About 60 children are born in Victoria each year with severe, permanent hearing disorders.
The aim was to "provide the best possible opportunities in those kids", Professor Dowell said.
A BIONIC ear implant in the first year of life dramatically improves the development of language skills in children born deaf, Melbourne researchers say.
In a study of more than 100 babies with permanent and severe hearing loss, researchers at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital found that those who received an implant between six months and one year would develop language skills as quickly as a child with normal hearing. Children who received theirs at between one and two years - when they are most commonly implanted - developed more slowly.
"We now have probably for the first time strong objective evidence that it's good to do a bionic ear implant as soon as possible," said Professor Richard Dowell.
About 60 children are born in Victoria each year with severe, permanent hearing disorders.
The aim was to "provide the best possible opportunities in those kids", Professor Dowell said.