Performance of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implant: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION Currently, there are no doubts about the benefits of cochlear implants for the development of children with severe or profound hearing loss. However, there is still no consensus among researchers and professionals regarding the benefits for the improvement of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implants. OBJECTIVE Review the available evidence in the literature to answer the following: "What is the performance of hearing skills in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder using cochlear implants?" METHODS Systematic review of the literature through electronic database consultation, considering publications in the period 2002-2013. RESULTS Twenty-two studies met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. CONCLUSION The analyzed studies demonstrated that after cochlear implant surgery, individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder improved their performance of hearing skills and had similar performance to that of children with sensorineural hearing loss using cochlear implant.