Neuro-functional imaging and profound deafness

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1999 Feb 15;47(2):131-6. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5876(98)00131-1.

Abstract

This paper deals with the subject of the place of neuro-functional imaging in cochlear implantation. Neuro-functional imaging is a means to assess the functioning of the brain in some normal or pathological conditions. Deafness is a model of sensorineural deprivation. Cochlear implantation offers to clinicians and neuroscientists a model for understanding influence of deafness on cerebral connectivity, and to assess mechanisms of plasticity when the auditory inputs are given again to a deaf cochlea. This paper proposes a brief review of the literature on cochlear implantation and neuro-functional imaging. Patients can be scanned pre- or post-operatively, thus different questions can be investigated about neurobiology of the consequences of deafness and auditory rehabilitation by cochlear implantation, and about the possible role of neuro-functional imaging in cochlear implant candidates to predict the future benefit of the implantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Auditory Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Auditory Pathways / physiopathology*
  • Cochlear Implantation*
  • Deafness / diagnosis
  • Deafness / physiopathology*
  • Deafness / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed*