Non-Users and Limited Users of Cochlear Implants in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Unlabelled: To determine the prevalence of non-use and limited use of cochlear implants. To find out the reasons for the same. This study was carried out among the paediatric patients who underwent cochlear implantation under the SHP* scheme in Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad between 2013 and 2020.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Study Setting: Civil Hospital Ahmedabad.

Sample Size: 150 paediatric patients. Patients were selected based on a random number generator. The data was collected through a telephonic interview based upon a preformed questionnaire. The study indicates that out of a total 150 participants, 109 (72.7%) used their cochlear implant regularly while 41 (27.3%) did not. Major issue faced by the participants was in the external device -damage to the device and monetary issues for its repair. The participants who have dropped the usage of their implants faced issues mostly after 2 years of usage. The age group of less than 3 years showed 15.6% of non-usage, while the age group of 3-6 years showed an increase to 34.5% of non-users. The age group of more than 6 years showed an even higher proportion (41.3%) of non-users. It is recommended that the government ensures the follow-up of the patients undergoing cochlear implantation for at least 2 years after the surgery. The proportion of non-users in the consecutive increasing age groups saw a rise in number. Therefore, it is recommended to divert the resources towards lower age groups to facilitate a better outcome.