In cochlear implantation, the most important factor determining post-implantation speech perception outcome is:

• A Degree of residual cochlear architecture
• B Duration of deafness before implantation ✓
• C Age at onset of deafness (prelingual vs post-lingual)
• D Number of electrode channels in the device

Explanation

Duration of deafness is the single strongest predictor of cochlear implant outcomes: longer auditory deprivation leads to central auditory pathway degeneration and poorer cortical reorganization, reducing rehabilitation potential. Post-lingual deaf adults implanted within 5 years of onset achieve the best outcomes. While pre/post-lingual status matters, it interacts with duration; electrode count beyond a functional minimum has diminishing returns.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.