2009 Volume 52 Issue 3 Pages 172-176
The aim of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity using 18-item DSM-IV-oriented rating scales in 14 children (ranging in age from 23 to 72 months; mean 38.3±13.7 months) with profound hearing loss before and after cochlear implantation (observation period ranging from 6 to 36 months; mean 19.7±11.1 months). The average scores for hyperactive/impulsive symptoms were higher than those for inattentive symptoms during the period between pre-implant and 12 months post-implant. Furthermore, the average scores for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms decreased at 6 months post-implant, increased temporarily at 12 months post-implant, and decreased again thereafter. These findings suggest that in such children undergoing cochlear implantation adequate support should be ensured, because they show temporary deterioration of the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.
