Critical Review: Using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEP) as the outcome measure of cortical maturation, is there an optimal age to implant deaf children to provide better auditory development?

This critical review examined the effects of auditory deprivation on the central auditory system in children with cochlear implants as compared to children and adults with normal hearing, using CAEPs as the outcome measurement. Study designs included five between group non-randomized intervention studies. Overall, research suggests that cochlear implantation at an earlier age will produce smaller maturational delays compared to implantation at a later age, and implantation at an earlier age will produce P1 latencies that are normal or withinnormal limits compared to age-matched norms. However, a definitive statement regarding a sensitive period for cochlear implantation in children cannot be made due to conflicting findings, and research limitations, such as small sample sizes, differences in methodologies and subject criteria across studies. Additional studies involving more subjects, control of subject criteria, standardized research methods, and longitudinal effects are recommended.