Longitudinal Changes in Electrically Evoked Auditory Event-Related Potentials in Children With Auditory Brainstem Implants: Preliminary Results Recorded Over 3 Years.

Only five children were tested, so the results cannot show how all children with auditory brainstem implants will change. The responses differed widely between children, and the study could not identify a clear reason for the changes. Some children had prior or contralateral cochlear implants, so changes cannot be assigned to the auditory brainstem implant alone. The children were young and had limited speech and language, so behavioral responses to sound were incomplete. The speech perception tests used were not sensitive enough to detect small changes over time. The study did not have imaging to confirm whether implant electrodes moved, so possible electrode migration remains speculative. The study describes brain responses, not hearing or speech outcomes, so it cannot show whether the implant improved function.

The paper is listed as supported by NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support. Craig A. Buchman and Holly F.B. Teagle served on Cochlear Corp advisory boards; no other conflicts were declared.

Do not read the changing brain responses as proof that the implant improved hearing or speech. The study had five children, the changes were not consistent, and the authors say the behavioral meaning of the changes is unknown.