Cochlear Implant Performance in Children Deafened by Torch Infection: Scoping Review

TORCH infection is described as perinatal infections caused by toxoplasma (To), rubella (R), cytomegalovirus (C), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most prevalent postnatal symptom of TORCH infection and may progress to severe and profound SNHL, in which cochlear implant (CI) may be considered. This scoping review will map data on cochlear implantation performance in TORCH-deafened children. Twenty-six articles were reviewed. Most of the studies included (61.5%, n=16) were CMV studies, implying that CMV infection was still the primary etiology for sensorineural hearing loss associated with TORCH infection syndrome. CI is a viable option in the treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), leading to improvements in hearing and language. However, when compared to Cx26 mutation as control, poorer performance was reported for cCMV. CI is also recommended for congenital rubella due to increased speech production, which results in a higher quality of life and the ability to attend regular school. CI was associated with several positive outcomes in toxoplasmosis, including age-appropriate speech perception and social-emotional development. These positive outcomes, however, are only possible with adequate environmental and parental support. No research regarding CI outcomes on patients of hearing loss for specific HSV infection. Nevertheless, CI was recommended for its rehabilitative outcomes. Being one of the first reviews in this context, CI is recommended especially if it is done as early as possible. Nevertheless, prevention measures such as TORCH infection screening and ABR testing are required, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries.