Learning Objectives:

Background / Objective: Cochlear implantations (CIs) are well recognized and accepted treatment for severe to profound congenital hearing loss, but CIs are not performed because of malformation, family attitude and others. We conducted retrospective chart review to examine the clinical factors influencing the decision making of CIs in congenital hearing loss.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: We included bilateral congenital hearing loss children who first visited Ehime Welfare Center for the Handicapped from April 2007 to December 2015, and met the criteria of the indication for CsI. To examin factors associated with opt-out cochlear implantation, we performed univariate analyzes of following factors; age, sex, birth weight, maternal age, cochlear malformation, multiple organ abnormalities, severe handicap, deaf family and availability of CI-rehabilitation service.

Results: During the study period, 38 bilateral congenital hearing loss children met the criteria for cochlear implantation. Of 38 children, 10 children were unwilling to use CIs. In univariate analysis, severe handicap and deaf family are correrate with opt-out CIs.